A PROPOSAL to charge #1-a-head for major charity climbs of Ben Nevis has been scrapped.

The idea was first mooted in a report by Lochaber area culture and leisure services manager John MacDonald.

However, at a meet-ing of the cultural and leisure committee in Fort William yesterday councillors agreed that larger groups - sometimes numbering up-wards of 1500 - should instead be invited to make a donation to the council.

This would help cover the additional costs of providing Countryside Rangers and staff to tidy up litter and supervise parking, etc.

The committee also want sizeable groups to give notice of their intention to visit the area so that help can be given to plan the event.