Highland councillors have approved plans for a viewing deck for the remains of a prehistoric Sutherland building.
Clachtoll broch overlooking the Bay of Stoer is a scheduled ancient monument whose west side is eroding from the pressure of visitors’ feet.
Historic Assynt applied for permission for the deck to protect the broch and allow visitors to look into it.
The minimalist deck is fixed to the bedrock and follows the contour of the building in a tear drop shape, fashioned from steel and mesh.
Despite local concerns over lack of parking facilities and inadequate pedestrian access, and the proposal resulting in an ‘incongruous’ addition to the broch, Highland Council’s north planning committee councillors liked the idea.
Local councillor Kirsteen Currie said the project was a perfect example of what a crofting community can achieve when it takes control.
She said: “It’s been an interesting piece of work, involving the whole community from babies to grannies learning how to be amateur archaeologists, and attracting students over.
“We’ve learned it could have been a lighthouse broch which would make it rare and unique. We need both to protect it and make it accessible.”
Ms Currie added that the community should press on with putting plans and funding in place for better pedestrian access.