Ex-councillor Olwyn Macdonald, who was convener of the Lochaber area committee, says the potential development on the Blar Mhor should be supported to stimulate the area's economy and offer greater retailing choice.

Mrs Macdonald, who stepped down as a councillor in 2007, has urged planners to look sympathetically at the proposals being prepared by Oatridge Ltd.

The Lochaber News exclusively revealed last week that the Edinburgh-based developer is poised to submit masterplans to transform a 30-acre site on the Blar, next to the A830.

And a spokesman confirmed the scheme – which could be delivered within two years – will include a major supermarket operator, a number of national retailers and various public service uses.

Part of the site has also been earmarked for a replacement Belford Hospital and it is understood that the Oatridge plan could lead to progress on this eagerly anticipated project – as well as potentially spearheading the creation of a much-needed link road from Fort William to Caol.

Mrs Macdonald told the Lochaber News: "I think we should go for it.

"I know some people would see it as a threat to a waterfront but I would say that the people of Fort William and Lochaber are fed up waiting for another supermarket.

"If the waterfront goes ahead, that's all and well.

"But we need another major superstore in Lochaber to give competition to Morrisons.

"Development attracts development and I feel this Blar Mhor scheme could pave the way for some of the things we've been wanting for years, including a new Belford and a new road to link Fort William and Caol.

"The prospect of jobs and investment has to be supported. I would urge the planners to look at this and move ahead and get things going."

Mrs Macdonald add: "I do support a waterfront development and I wish that developer all the good luck, but we can't hold any more developments up in this area.

"Other towns are moving forward and Fort William has to join them."

The Lochaber News can reveal that due to the size of the proposed development, Oatridge Ltd is going into a joint venture with Miller Developments, part of the Miller Group.

Miller is one of the UK's leading commercial property development companies. Through its national and European office base, Miller Developments manages large-scale property development programmes throughout the UK and in Europe.

But the effect of out-of-town supermarkets and retail parks on town centres is a hotly-debated topic.

The Lochaber News asked three long-established independent traders on Fort William High Street for their views on the potential Blar Mhor development.

Drew Purdon, who runs two west end businesses – Scottish Crafts and Whisky Centre and The House of Clan Jamfrie and Bahouchie's Books – said: "I'd be totally unconcerned.

"The High Street can defend itself. I don't care if there's another supermarket on Blar Mhor, North Road or at the top of Nevis Range.

"The High Street can get stronger and there's a lot more to come. We'll adapt and fight our own corner."

Archie Paterson, managing director of multi award-winning Nevis Bakery, said: "I'm not against supermarkets. If at all possible I'd prefer them to be my neighbour rather than out on the edge of town.

"But if there's no land available then I guess they have to go out to where the land is.

"It's a difficult time for all retailers at the moment and we desperately need to do things to rejuvenate our High Street.

"A first step would be to make parking a lot easier for people."

Eric Wallace, who runs a newsagent and gift shop, said: "A lot of people have the opinion that as a High Street retailer I'd be dead-set against multi-nationals.

"But I'd actually welcome a development at the Blar, as much as I'd welcome more development on the North Road for the good of Fort William and surrounding communities. The sooner the better I'd say.

"We need to solve traffic problems in this town and having a development on the Blar would help. Sticking a supermarket on the Loch Linnhe waterfront is complete madness."

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