THE partial reopening of a vital West Highland road artery that has been closed since before Christmas has been delayed by at least 10 days.

It had been hoped that the A890 Stromeferry bypass between Lochcarron and Kyle of Lochalsh and Plockton could be reopened on Friday. But work to stabilise the rock face above the road on the southern shore of Loch Carron has proved more challenging than anticipated.

A landslide caused the closure of the road on December 22. The Highland Council has been providing a car and passenger ferry at the Strome Narrows to transport people between Lochcarron and Plockton/Kyle.

It is thought February 27 is a more realistic target for the reopening.