A main road through a Highland village is to close for more than three months to allow access for a controversial pipeline upgrade.
Stuart Street will be shut from Monday coming until Monday, May 22 as part of the Scottish Water project.
The road will close from its junction with Nairn Road to where it meets Ardersier’s High Street.
The work is part of plans by Scottish Water to work on the mains leading to the sewage works on the Fort George side of Ardersier as part of a planned upgrade of the plant.
Work started yesterday at the junction between Nairn Road and Stuart Street, with traffic being allowed to pass under traffic lights.
A Highland Council statement said: “The order is being put in place to allow essential water mains upgrade works to be carried out on behalf of Scottish Water.
“The order, which is required to enable works to proceed in a safe manner, will only affect parts of the road as indicated by appropriate traffic signs.
“Vehicles employed to carry out the works, including traffic management vehicles, are exempt. Emergency services vehicles are also exempt from the order at the discretion and instruction of the contractor.
“Access to properties will be controlled by the works contractor. Pedestrian access will also be maintained.”
Scottish Water’s plans have proven controversial with campaigners from Ardersier, who have urged the utility to consider using alternative technology.
The company says that the upgrade is needed to accommodate a growing population in the area, including from the developing Tornagrain new town.
Campaigners in Ardersier are planning to hold a three day demonstration at the village’s beach this weekend.