Plans to reduce the speed limit on two stretches on the A87 road to Skye have been abandoned by the Scottish Government amidst local concerns it would make the road more dangerous.

Two stretches of road in Moray and one near Stirling have also escaped new restrictions.

Transport Scotland has been reviewing speed limits on rural roads across the country, to see if they area at still appropriate. Some have been recommended for an increase.

But the six and a half mile section of the A87 from Invergarry to the viewpoint overlooking Loch Garry and the 12.5 miles from Cluanie Inn to Kintail Lodge Hotel had both have been earmarked for lower limits, reducing from 60 mph to 50mph. The local community council, started an online petition against the reduction.

Transport Minister, Derek Mackay said:

"The safety of our roads is of paramount importance and any proposed speed limit reductions are part of a wider programme of measures. Some recent submissions on specific Speed Limit Review recommendations highlighted that the public had strong feelings about the limits being reduced in certain areas.

"We have taken the opportunity to look again at some of the conclusions and recommendations and as a result of that update, five of the recommended speed limit reductions will no longer be taken forward."

Dave Thompson SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch had raised local concerns with Mr Mackay

He said "I am delighted that the Transport Minister has decided not to go ahead with the proposed plans to reduce the speed limit west of the Cluanie Inn or between Invergarry and the viewpoint."

"Some concern had been raised by a number of constituents over any proposed speed limit reductions on sections of the A87. I recently made these concerns known to the Transport Minister and he said he would give the issue of speed reduction on the A87 more consideration."

Shona MacLennan, chair of the Dornie and District community council, who launched the petition said she was "delighted" by the news.

Proposed reductions to 50 mph on the A84 Buchany to Drumvaich and on the A95 at Craigellachie and A95 Ballindalloch have also been dropped.