The fund is administered by Scottish Forestry on behalf of the Scottish Ministers and provides up to 50% in grant funding.

Chair of the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “The council appreciates the continued investment in our Highland road network by the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme Fund.

“Through the scheme, its funding helps us to carry out projects, such as at Bohenie in Lochaber and Glenglass in Ross and Cromarty, to improve rural infrastructure and reduce the impact of timber haulage on local communities.”

The projects that will benefit, with all works expected to be completed by the end of the financial year, are as follows:

• U1019 Bohenie Road (Lochaber) - Awarded £150k from STTF with another £150k in Highland Council and partner contributions. The project will improve passing places, undertake edge strengthening/ widening, improve drainage, replace culverts and include surfacing works.
• U1991 Glenglass Road (Ross and Cromarty) – Awarded £191k from STTF with another £191k in Highland Council and partner contributions. The project will improve passing places, undertake edge strengthening/ widening, patching, improve drainage, replace a bridge, replace culverts and include surfacing works.

More information on the 2024/25 projects awarded funding can be found on the Scottish Forestry website.