Work to clear loose rocks and trees from the verge of a main road past Loch Lomond which is hit by landslides is due to begin this month.

The £140,000 programme of tree and drainage clearance and the removal of loose rocks from the verge of the A82 is part of a programme to start on Monday February 15 on the route between Tarbet and Inverarnan.

Transport minister Derek Mackay announced last year the Scottish Government's intention to improve the route in advance of its upgrade.

The work is expected to be completed by Easter. Plans have been made to ensure no road closures will be required, however some temporary traffic management via traffic lights and stop-go boards will be put in place to ensure the safety of the public and workers.

Derek Mackay said: "This ten-mile section of road through stunning hills and by the banks of the iconic Loch Lomond has presented a real challenge as we have taken forward the design work.

"Last October we were able to let the public see and comment on the preferred route option to upgrade the road between Tarbet and Inverarnan, and we are now taking forward the next phase of design which will lead to the preparation of draft Orders.

"Last year I took a trip in an HGV to see for myself the challenges of driving the route and as a result I pledged to carry out a programme of measures to improve the route in advance of the upgrade for all road users, but particularly those driving long vehicles.

"This work will be getting under way next week and will include the clearing away of vegetation, overhanging trees and the removal of loose stones and rocks from the verge of the existing road as well as the clearance and improvement of the existing drainage system.

"We are committed to upgrading the A82 and have already completed the £5.5m Crianlarich Bypass and the £9.2m Pulpit Rock Improvements in addition to the £57m we have invested in the route since 2007, bringing significant improvements for road users and local communities who rely on this road to go about their day to day business.

"We are working hard on more longer terms upgrades between Tarbet and Invernan and in the meantime this enhanced maintenance of the route will improve in the shorter term the journey experience for everyone using this vital lifeline which connects businesses and communities in the Highlands and Islands with the central belt."