Fears have been raised over plans for thousands of Scottish independence supporters scaling the UK’s highest mountain.
The planned event is part of a rally to spectacularly show backing for Scottish independence.
Organisers want to create a ‘human chain’ of 9,000 people from the bottom of Ben Nevis to the 4411 ft summit in a show of support for breaking free from the rest of the UK.
However, the environmental group that looks after the area has raised concerns over the “many logistical and environmental challenges” that the massive ‘human chain’ presents.
The event, which will be held some time in August if there are enough takers, has been launched on social media and called ‘epic human chain in support of Scottish independence.’
It has amassed the support of more than 2,700 people who are interested in attending and already nearly 300 say they are going.
“Our plan for this event is to have a human chain in support of Scottish independence from the bottom to the top of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis,” says the Facebook post of the event hosted by John Tannock of Kilmaurs, East Ayrshire.
“To make this challenge happen we will need 9,000 supporters of Scottish Indy to participate in what would be one of the best scenes ever witnessed in our country!
“I am just testing the water with this to see if there is interest in this epic event! I will leave the event on for two month’s and see how it goes, if there’s no interest I will cancel.”
In another post Mr Tannock added there were similar concerns over a previous pro-independence car rally on the North Coast 500 route, but addresses traffic concerns by saying people will be encouraged to take the train or coach and go camping so not everyone will arrive together.
He added: “I will contact the landowners and the Highland Council to let them know of our plans.”
Nevis Landscape Partnership, the environmental group that looks after the area, have asked organisers to contact them and already raised concerns.
A spokeswoman said: “The numbers they are talking about presents logistical, environmental and safety challenges.
“We deal with a lot of organisations in planning their event but nothing on this scale. It would be a lot of people on Ben Nevis at one time. The event would have to be also positive for the people who live here.”
Debbie Greene, from Scottish Natural Heritage, said there was “not likely” to be an impact on wildlfie and habitat as long as the event sticks to the main path.
However, she added: “This might be a challenge as August is the busiest month on the ben, and the enjoyment of other people would also have to be considered.”