Final countdown to the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Lochaber
Final preparations are underway in Lochaber to welcome the Olympic Torch as it comes through Lochaber on Saturday 9 June at the start of a three-day visit to the Highlands.
School pupils and communities along the route are preparing to welcome the torch as it passes through towns and villages.
Arriving at 12.30pm in Glencoe, school pupils, residents and visitors will line the route making the most of this exciting event. As it travels on across Ballachulish Bridge (12.50pm), pupils from Ardnamurchan schools will join with those of St Bride’s Primary to wave it past.
Arriving in Fort William at 1.30pm the torch will be run from Ashburn Lane near the Yacht Club, through the High Street, across the Parade and to the Nevis Centre for a short break.
And at 2.50pm all eyes will be on Lochaber Leisure Centre, where the Provost of Lochaber, Highland Councillor Allan Henderson will welcome the Torch Bearer. The Leisure Centre will also be the venue for an exciting children’s community event – the Torch Triathlon, which celebrates this unique day.
And finally at 3.15pm the torch will arrive in Spean Bridge, where spectators can watch its passage as far as the Aonach Mor Hotel.
The thousands of spectators enjoying the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup at Nevis Range won’t miss out either as the Torch will also be making an appearance there around 2pm when it will take the UK's only Mountain Gondola at Nevis Range Mountain Experience to 650m on the slopes of Aonach Mor.
Provost Henderson said: “This is a tremendous occasion which promises to offer a unique opportunity for visitors and residents to enjoy the site of the Olympic Torch running through Lochaber. We are delighted that the area is on the Olympic Torch Relay route as it is a unique opportunity to showcase the area. Given the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup is also taking place here at the weekend, Fort William is truly on the map as a host for sporting events.”
Spectators should be aware that there is no additional parking available along the route and therefore anyone intending to watch the Parade should ensure they arrive early and find somewhere safe to park, without blocking any accesses or inconveniencing others.
If the weather is hot, please ensure you have drinks with you in case there is any delay in the Torch Relay coming through.
Finally, Olympic partners Coca-Cola, Samsung and the Bank of Scotland have advance entertainment with samples and activities for everyone. These will be running 10-15 minutes ahead of the convoy but sometimes the delay can be longer. The message is for everyone to be prepared, be patient and enjoy the day.
In addition Samsung and Bank of Scotland are likely to be active in Fort William High Street around 45 minutes before the Torch comes through, adding to the bustle and heightening anticipation.
Spectators should be aware than any activities from these vehicles will be taking place on the north bound side of the road and it will make sense to spectate from that side.
Although preparations are well underway to minimise any delays, it is highly likely that the Olympic Torch convoy will cause considerable delays on the A82 and travellers are being asked for their patience and understanding to ensure everyone enjoys the day with no mishap.
It is advisable for those travelling to either the UCI Mountain Bike Event or Rock Ness from the Central Belt to either leave early for the journey or consider an alternative route such as the A9.