Back of the Ben

The road from Salen to Kilchoan is single-track with passing places. It follows the banks of Loch Sunart for some twelve miles through scenery which is breathtakingly beautiful and changes at every twist and turn of its length. For those who are not in a hurry, it must be one of the world's most scenic routes.

Then, after passing the lovely bay of Camas nan Geall, it leaves the warmer, south-facing shores of Sunart and cuts northwards to round Ben Hiant. From its most northerly point it offers a wonderful view across the Minches to the Inner Hebrides.

However, since the snow invariably arrives from the north or northeast, and since the shadow of the Ben lies across it all day, these few miles are the coldest section. Frost collects here. Snow builds and drifts and packs here. So the back of the Ben is infamous as the nastiest section for those locals returning home in winter weather, and by late Thursday it had turned into an ice-rink.

John MacFaddyen, who drives the Council gritting lorry, had been called away to assist in clearing the A884 Lochaline road. He's done a splendid job this year on our roads, so it was no fault of his that this section wasn't gritted and became so dangerous.

Three vehicles, one a delivery van, the others cars driven by two of the most experienced drivers in the village, left the road. Several other vehicles didn't attempt the worst part and were abandoned. Although there was some damage to vehicles, mercifully, no-one was hurt, and everyone was brought home safely.

By this morning the skies had cleared and the wind had dropped, and, in the afternoon, bright sunshine warmed the village. With March round the corner, perhaps this is the last throw of what has been a harsh winter.