Repairs to a massive breach on the Caledonian Canal are progressing well – despite high water levels threatening to wash the work away.
The banks of the famous waterway were badly damaged near Fort Augustus during exceptionally heavy rain and snow-melt last month.
The stone Cullochy Weir separating the canal from the nearby River Oich was breached by the exceptionally high water level – but engineers working on the site have now been able to close the damaged section.
They managed to carry out the work despite battling high water levels after further heavy rain this week.
Bosses at Scottish Canals, who maintain the historic Thomas Telford-designed canal, say they are now track to open the waterway for the summer season by April 30.
Crews working at the site have been working to install sheet piling in the damaged area to close the gap.
A temporary dam was installed at Aberchalder Bridge to allow the work to be carried out.
A spokesperson for Scottish Canals said: “Despite the high volume and speed of water passing through the temporary dam at Cullochy Weir on the Caledonian Canal this week, we are pleased to be able to report that, as of lunchtime on Wednesday, the breach has now been closed.
“Further piling is now being installed past the breach and tied into the embankment and will also be installed along the opposite side of the weir to protect it from the River Oich.
“Material will then be placed either side of the sheet piling to stabilise it.
“Once this has been completed, we will be in a position to start removing the temporary dam at Aberchalder bridge.
“Given the progress made to date, we are still confident of opening to navigation on April 30.”
The canal was supposed to open for the summer season on March 23 ahead of the traditionally busy Easter weekend.
A cruise company has had to cancel or shorten some Easter holiday trips because of the repairs
The project is expected to cost around £300,000.