Commuters were delayed on the drive to work yesterday morning after a three-car crash at the Munlochy junction on the southbound carriageway of the busy A9.
The crash, involving a white Audi Q2, a blue Renault Captur and a dark grey Ford Fiesta, slowed traffic for almost an hour.
Although no-one was seriously hurt, the crash happened at one of the busiest times of day and commuters trying to make their way into Inverness were forced to wait or use their own diversions where possible.
One eyewitness said: “It was a bad smash. I am glad no one was seriously hurt.”
The crash was reported to police at 7.52am.
A police spokesman said there were no serious injuries, but one lane was blocked until 8.50am when the road was fully cleared. Police are not investigating the matter further.
Another eyewitness, Malcolm MacLennan, a joiner, usually travelled to work with his girlfriend.
But yesterday, he told his girlfriend – who works for the NHS but did not want to be named – to go ahead of him in her car, as he was running late.
When he reached the A9 he spotted his girlfriend’s Renault facing the wrong way on the busy road.
Mr MacLennan told the P&J: “I got a fright, you just don’t expect it and on this road you see it happen all the time – but you never expect it to be someone you know.
“I was quite far behind, but when I saw a blue car I knew it was her. I was worried that she was ok. She was shaken up, but fine.
“I pulled my car off the road and onto the verge, and I ran to find my girlfriend. It was a shock.
“Everyone is in a rush in the morning – but if people were in less of a hurry and didn’t need to make up time on the road – I think there would be fewer accidents.
“People just need to take time – sometimes trying to save 30 seconds on the road is becoming the real killer.”