‘Peak danger’ warning from Forestry and Land Scotland as A82 trunk road tree felling next to Loch Ness moves to near vertical slopes
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Long-running tree felling on the slopes above Loch Ness and the A82 is set to enter its most dangerous phase, loggers have warned.
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has been working to fell difficult to reach plantation trees on steep slopes above the busy A82 trunk road.
The works have led to frequent disruption for motorists, with traffic control measures in place during times of felling work.
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Loggers are now set to move onto trees on the steepest of the slopes, which are “80 to 90 per cent sheer” in places.
The phase will run from April to the end of June.
But FLS has stressed that passing road users should not notice much different during this new, more difficult, felling period, as existing control measures will be sufficient.
FLS planning manager, Ian Allsop, said: “This is without question the most challenging phase of the work that we have undertaken.
“Harvesting is generally a hazardous business. Factor-in bad weather and it becomes trickier still. But add to that some incredibly steep ground and you are faced with a job that needs to be done slowly, with exceptional attention to detail and by people who are absolutely at the top of their game.
“Safety precautions are always in place and of the highest standard no matter where on the hillside we have been working.
“This continues to hold true for the work our team will be doing over the next few months. However, the only thing that will affect road-users will be the ongoing traffic management, which is a key element of our safety measures.”
The latest phase of forestry operations – again between Drumnadrochit and Invermoriston – is the first time this year that FLS and its specialist contractor, Duffy Skylining, will have carried out felling work on site.
Delays to the programme have arisen because of bad weather, safety inspections and work to stabilise the hillside.
Further information on the Steep Ground Felling programme can be found online.
