The Wills Bros project replaces a single-track road with passing places to one lane in each direction and lies between Kinlochewe and Gairloch.

Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Ward Member Councillor Chris Birt was joined by representatives from the local community, staff from the council and representatives from Wills Bros for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Leading a procession along the new road was Piper Calum MacKenzie, a S6 pupil from Gairloch High School, who played “The High Road to Gairloch” as guests assembled.

This 700m section of the A832 at Slattadale has been designed and supervised by the Highland Council’s Project Design Unit in Dingwall. Wills Bros Ltd was awarded the £1.4 million contract and started work on site in February this year. It successfully completed the works on time and within budget. This included the successful removal of a large amount of rock face.

In his speech of thanks, Councillor Birt said: “The completion of this phase sees us take another step forward in twin tracking the important A832/A835 loop which is hugely important for tourism development in Wester Ross. This section is also of course part of the popular North Coast 500 Route.

“The efforts of Wills Bros have been much appreciated and in particular the contributions made by Chris Dale, the site agent. The council’s site team of Ken Carmichael and Ewen MacPherson should also be thanked for their role in the successful delivery of such a challenging project.

“I’d also like to thank Duncan Mackenzie from Gairloch Estate and especially the members of the local community who have been patient during the required traffic management on this very constrained roadworks site. I am sure they now find any inconvenience was worth it as the new two-lane road will make their journeys safer. I myself am a frequent user of this road and I have already seen the difference this new road makes to my journeys.”

Jonathan Wills, director of Wills Bros. Civil Engineering Ltd, said: “Wills Bros. are delighted to have delivered this key phase of widening on the A832 at Slattadale on behalf of The Highland Council and we look forward to seeing the benefits this project will bring to road users and the local community. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their patience and co-operation while the works were ongoing and would also like to thank all our supply chain partners, who assisted us with a successful delivery.

“We processed the majority of the excavated rock on site to be reused within the road improvement, demonstrating our strong commitment to sustainable working practices and reducing environmental impacts within the construction industry.”

Chair of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee, Cllr Biz Campbell, added: “I want to add my thanks to the local community for their patience and understanding while this work has been taking place. I would also like to thank staff from our Project Design Unit, and Wills Bros Ltd for all their hard work. Their efforts will be appreciated by locals and visitors for many years to come.”