Part of North Coast 500 road surface swept away by surging seas at Applecross; Highland Council warns NC500 drivers to expect delays while a temporary by-pass is installed but stressed that road remains open; damage was caused by Storm Brendan, and came amid wider travel disruption in Ross-shire, including CalMac ferry delays; Scottish Environment Protection Agency flood alert in place for Wester Ross
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A SECTION of Wester Ross road which forms part of the North Coast 500 was badly damaged by Storm Brendan but remains open to traffic.
A section of roadway and flood defence close to the mouth of the River Applecross was damaged by surging waves and high winds during the storm on Monday and Tuesday.
Part of the sea defence wall was partly washed away, and some of the road surface destroyed.
However, Highland Council has stressed that while motorists can expect short term delays, the road remains open, and work on a “temporary by-pass” is already under way to enable the route to stay open while repairs are carried out.
A spokeswoman for Highland Council said: “In Applecross a section of the sea defence retaining wall was partially washed away.
“The road is open and work to provide a temporary by-pass is under way in order for the route to remain open to allow for a temporary repair to be made.
“Drivers should however expect short delays.”
The damage came as flood alerts remained in place for Wester Ross.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has warned of a "significant" risk of coastal flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday as a result of "higher than usual tides and large waves".
A spokesman said: "This will increase the risk of flooding to low lying land and roads and could affect exposed coastal properties.
"There could also be wave overtopping of coastal defences. The periods of greatest risk are around the high tide which occurs in Ullapool around 10pm on Tuesday and 10am on Wednesday.
"Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property. Advice and information is also available through Floodline on 0345 9881188.
"If you haven't already signed up to receive free flood messages, please call Floodline or register online at sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup.
The Wester Ross Floodline quick dial number is 22800.
