Forestry and Land Scotland has begun a complex tree harvesting operation above the A890 at Loch Carron in an urgent move to reduce the risk of landslides and rockfall.
The work, already underway at Ardnarff, follows a series of storms that have uprooted trees and increased the danger of debris spilling onto the road or nearby railway line.
The A890 is a vital route linking Inverness and the Isle of Skye, and FLS says the decision to act now is about preventing a future emergency.
The operation will use a mix of traditional harvesting and skyline techniques to remove blown-over conifers from steep ground along the loch.
Traffic management will be in place for the duration of the work, which could last up to 12 weeks.
The long-term plan is to restore the area with native woodland, planting species like oak, birch and ash to strengthen the slopes and provide a natural barrier against falling rocks.
These trees will also improve local biodiversity and blend into the pockets of native woodland already growing along the shoreline.
In the short term, the root plates of felled trees will be left in place to help hold the soil together and stop it washing downhill.
Removing fallen timber will also keep natural watercourses clear, which FLS says is crucial to managing water flow from the hillside.
Guy Muir, Assistant Operations Manager for FLS North Region, said the forest sits directly above both the A890 and the adjacent rail line.
He said the area is well known for landslides and rockfalls, and the recent storms have made the situation more serious.
Windblown trees have not only fallen towards the road, but in many cases have pulled soil and rock loose from the hillside as they fell.
That’s the risk the operation is designed to reduce.
FLS is working alongside its contractors Tilhill Forestry and Duffy Skylining to carry out the work safely and efficiently.
Traffic restrictions will stay in place to protect workers and road users while the felling continues.
Guy said the operation was deliberately scheduled for the drier summer months, when calmer weather should allow safer and more efficient progress.
He acknowledged there would be some short-term disruption for drivers but said every effort would be made to keep inconvenience to a minimum.
The Ardnarff project is part of a wider effort to replace conifer plantations on steep slopes above major roads, including ongoing work on the A82.
FLS says projects like this are costly and complicated but vital.
The aim is to reduce the risk of future landslides, protect rural infrastructure, and avoid the economic hit that comes with road closures, repair bills and community disruption.
