Pothole repairs could use roadside debris with Highland Council-backed "thermal process" trials planned for Inverness, Dingwall, Thurso and Fort William

Trials are set to begin next week in the Highlands on a new method of repairing potholes that uses debris found by the roadside.

Said to be cheaper and better for the environment, Highland Council announced last month that it was investigating use of a “thermal process” for the road repairs.

The trials are planned for Inverness, Dingwall, Thurso and Fort William, with councillor Ken Gowans, chairman of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee, now confirming details.

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External contractor Thermal Road Repairs has been appointed to undertake the work using the thermal repair process.

The process uses existing material on site which is recycled and added to as necessary to provide a permanent fix to potholes.

Cllr Gowans said: “I look forward to seeing the results of these trials and the feedback will be very helpful when we consider best options for more repair works to be carried out across the Highlands."

The trial will start in Thurso on Monday, March 11 before the team move to Dingwall on Friday, March 15.

They will then work in Inverness from Wednesday, March 20 until Monday March 25 before travelling to Fort William on Tuesday, March 26 where they will be based for four days. Weekend work is excluded from these dates.

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