“LOVE locks” in the Highland capital are to stay in place a little longer after removal plans were postponed.
The padlocks have been attached to infrastructure in Inverness by couples to symbolise unbreakable love.
However, work to cut them from bridges was to begin on Monday as part of renovations by Highland Council.
Now the romance tributes are to stay just a little bit longer after the refurb programme was postponed.
The council had come under fire for scheduling the six-week scheme for the summer period.
The suspension bridge from Bught Road to Whin Island was to close from Monday, with engineering, stonework, painting and other actions planned.
A warning was also issued to those visiting and using the Ness Islands and bridges “not to attach so-called ‘love padlocks’ or stickers to the bridges, lampposts, bins and seating”.
In a statement, the local authority added: “All existing padlocks and stickers will be removed as part of the refurbishment works and the council’s plea is to leave no trace.”
Critics complained the move would prevent locals and tourists alike from accessing the beauty spot during the peak holiday period.
But in an update yesterday, the body advised that all works had been postponed “until further notice”.
Inverness Central councillor Bet McAllister had suggested September as a practical alternative.
No date has yet been fixed, but in a statement, a spokesperson said: “Highland Council will notify the public when new dates for the works have been confirmed.”
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