Drivers were sent on a 154-mile detour yesterday after a 40-50ft tree fell on to a busy Highland tourist road.
The tree fell over both carriageways of the A82 Fort William to Inverness road, at Letter Finlay. It is understood to been a result of the wind and rain.
The closure for more than three hours left drivers facing a round trip via Inverness and the A9. A convoy system was then put in place afterwards for more than two hours, as a clean up operation took place.
The detour involved driving via Inverness and the A9 and onto the A889 at Dalwhinnie and onto the A86 to Spean Bridge.
Bob Myers, a visitor from Canada, said on social media: “That was really something, the hill backed right on up to the road, and there was so much rain – I think the tree must have just fallen over.
“But I have no idea what to do, stay and wait for the tree to be lifted or to travel all the way round?
“There were people from all over the world standing near me – and we were all stumped with what to do.”
After one side of the carriageway was cleared a convoy system was put in place.
Stewart MacLean of the A82 partnership announced that the road was partially opened after 4.30pm.
He said: “Police are now allowing single lane passing of the fallen tree near Letter Finlay.
“Traffic Management  will be put in place to allow the rest of the tree to be removed, expect delays.”
A spokeswoman for BEAR Scotland said: “The fallen tree obstructing the road on the A82 at Letter Finlay was successfully moved to the side, and one lane of traffic reopened. The clean-up operation continued under one lane closure.”