Daytime road closure plans are threatening to rob the fragile West Highland economy of millions of pounds, local business people have warned.

Contractors Bear Scotland face a storm of protest over proposals for several all-day closures on the A828 road, linking Oban and Fort William.

Motorists would face a 90-mile diversion, via Tyndrum and Glencoe, and the plan would spell disaster for businesses in the villages between the two towns, which rely on passing trade.

Jimmy Hanlin, who runs Ben Lora cafe in Benderloch, said next month’s planned closures from 8.30am until 7pm were “madness” and a “disaster” for traders.

Lewis Morrison, who runs Ledaig Motors and Ledaig Leisure, in Benderloch, added: “Day-time road closures are unheard of and lots of businesses will be tremendously  affected, there are so many delivery vehicles and wood lorries going past here and there are all the hotels, it’s just insane and ill-advised.”

Workers who commute to different parts of the area would also be hit by the planned road closures.

Les Hazelgrave, who lives in Oban but works in Port Appin, said: “I think it’s a ridiculous situation, how am I going to get to work?

A 90-mile detour if that road is closed, which is unacceptable.”

A spokesman for BEAR Scotland said: “If the closure proposals go ahead, there would be arrangements for local access and for buses through the closure points. Emergency services would be able to pass at all times.”