Decision details

The Council gave consideration to a report providing an update on the Scottish Government’s recent announcement on the long term solution for the Rest and Be Thankful.  The preferred option was for a debris flow shelter along the line of the existing Trunk Road with a construction time of three to four years following improvements to the Old Military Road.  This had been considered the most deliverable option by Transport Scotland. 

Decision

The Council agreed to –

1.    request that the Leader of the Council writes to the newly appointed Minister for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, to highlight our communities’ concerns and their need for urgency in progressing the permanent solution for the Rest;

2.    seek reassurance from the Minister and her officials at Transport Scotland on a range of points including clear timescales; measures to mitigate against delay; contingency plans for maintaining access in the event of a major incident during construction; and confirmation that the A82 upgrade will progress as planned;

3.    ask the Minister to convene an urgent meeting of the A83 Taskforce given the commitment made at the last meeting in Arrochar, in the context of this recent announcement and the questions that remain within the community and local industry;

4.    call upon the Minister to ensure that the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and any other relevant agency will prepare and share a robust communications strategy which will reinforce the vital message at a national level that Argyll and Bute is open for business;

5.    reiterate this Council’s longstanding position that urgent completion of the permanent solution is of the utmost importance in order that Argyll and Bute’s current and future opportunities for population and economic growth are not compromised; and

6.    request officers to respond to the Scottish Government’s recent announcement on the basis of paragraphs 1 to 5, above.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated June 2023, submitted)