Fort William residents have had their first update on the town’s masterplan in three years.
The Fort William 2040 (FW2040) masterplan was developed in 2018.
The intention was to hold an annual consultation to share progress and updates. However, this was not possible in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
This year, Caol Community Centre was the place to be for two days this week.
The event gives people the opportunity to speak to members of the FW2040 board and the community stakeholder group.
Fort William has made ‘tangible progress’
Alastair Nicolson of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), current Chair of the FW2040 Board, was first up with a presentation.
Mr Nicolson shared his delight with the “tangible progress” that was happening in the town. He cited successes such as the e-bikes, new builds at Upper Achintore and the flood prevention scheme.
Mr Nicolson also shared the importance of Fort William 2040 masterplan’s four key focuses.
Generated by participant feedback, these priorities give the masterplan focus. They aim to make Fort William:
- A great place to live
- A connected place
- A net-zero town
- A place facing water
The next speaker introduced was local Cllr Angus MacDonald who shared why Fort William high street matters.
‘We need to make things happen’
Mr MacDonald was quick to point out that Fort William’s high street has its strengths.
He noted the town is ‘well positioned’, has good eateries and has maintained its historic character.
However, a worrying pattern has developed across many of the UK’s towns where visitors simply ‘pass through’ and do not enter the centre itself.
Mr MacDonald says: “The heart of a town is important, we must not let it be hollowed out.”
It was quoted that 4m visitors pass Fort William each year and yet only 440k stay.
However, the FW2040 board are confident the town can strengthen its reputation as the region’s centre.
Cllr MacDonald believes that if the town meets its potential, Fort William could be pitching for High Street of the Year in 2027.
The event also had an update from Transport Scotland’s Kirsty Davison.
It was announced that the final Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (STPR2) will be published at the end of 2022.
The review “considers the transport needs of Scotland’s people and communities” from national and regional perspectives.
What can be done about the roads?
Currently, Fort William faces issues with its roads including seasonal congestion, poor bus accessibility, as well as flooding and draining issues.
Davison shared that recommendation 32 of the STPR2 specifically references Fort William.
“STPR2 recommends continued and increased investment in strengthening of the trunk road and motorway network over and above current maintenance levels.”
Potential measures mentioned included carriageway and structure schemes, signage and safety barriers.
Conversation