FORT William is a place with a setting that is almost unparalleled anywhere on the planet.

Dominated by Ben Nevis, and sitting on the banks of Loch Linnhe, it is easy to see why it draws millions of tourists to enjoy its charms and the beauty of the surrounding area.

It is also one of the major towns in the Highlands and is a place to stock up on essentials before heading north or west to more remote places if you’re a tourist.

However, it is also a place that is struggling to cope given that it has infrastructure that is no longer fit for purpose, if indeed it ever was.

While long delays on the main route in or out of the town is frustrating for tourists, for local businesses it is increasingly becoming economically disastrous.

So much so that businesses are now warning that the congestion is preventing them from expanding, with some now saying they will have no choice but to invest........

© Herald Scotland