Fort William, a picturesque town in the Scottish Highlands, is grappling with severe traffic congestion that is impacting local businesses and stifling economic growth. The Lochaber Chamber of Commerce has raised alarms, labeling the current traffic situation as reaching a “crisis point.”
For years, Fort William has experienced traffic woes, but recent reports indicate that the situation has escalated significantly. Businesses such as BSW Timber and Mowi, a major fish farm, have voiced their frustrations. They report severe delays in the transportation of raw materials and finished products, which hampers their operations and growth prospects.
The Scottish Government has acknowledged the issue and has plans in place to enhance travel through Fort William. However, local businesses are still facing immediate challenges. The town, renowned as the Outdoor Capital of the UK due to its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, is suffering particularly on the A82—a vital route linking the Highlands with central Scotland.
Residents of Fort William have noted that what used to be a five-minute journey now frequently stretches to 45 minutes due to traffic congestion. The Lochaber Chamber of Commerce has been actively engaging with various Scottish Government transport ministers over the past six years, advocating for road improvements to address these issues.
Frazer Coupland, Chief Executive of the Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, expressed his concern to BBC Naidheachdan, stating, “I don’t think there is a single business in Fort William that isn’t affected by the traffic situation. The uncertainty around investing is palpable.”
BSW Timber, which operates a sawmill in Fort William, has the capacity to significantly increase its output. However, logistical delays are preventing it from expanding. Coupland emphasized the critical nature of the situation: “The sawmill is eager to invest and ramp up production, but the persistent transportation issues might force it to consider relocating.”
In addition to impacting businesses, the congestion problem extends to the region’s salmon farming industry. Approximately 40% of Scotland’s salmon exports are routed through Fort William. Scott Nolan from Mowi highlighted that delays in getting products through the town could lead to missed market opportunities and disruptions in the supply chain.
Public transport is also affected. Shiel Buses has reduced its service frequency due to congestion, with buses now running every 60 minutes instead of 30 during peak times. David Phillips of Shiel Buses pointed out the two-fold nature of the problem: ongoing congestion and severe peak seasonal traffic. He suggested that prioritizing buses and taxis could improve public transport efficiency and reduce road congestion.
John Hutchison, a former roads engineer, noted that plans for a link road and other improvements have been stalled since the late 1980s. He suggested that addressing the A82 could be a feasible solution moving forward.
In response, the Scottish Government’s second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) proposes developing an Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) for Fort William. The government is also collaborating with the Fort William 2040 Masterplan, a joint initiative with Highland Council, to enhance local transportation infrastructure.
The Scottish Government acknowledged the severity of the transport challenges and stated, “We recognize the transport issues in and around Fort William. Transport Scotland recently met with local and regional partners to discuss roles, responsibilities, and funding for the ITP. Further discussions will continue to finalize these arrangements.”
As Fort William continues to deal with its traffic crisis, businesses and residents alike await tangible improvements to address the growing concerns and to support the town’s economic vitality.
