Argyll and Bute Council is sending a team of bridge experts and engineers to Mull after heavy rain caused a landslide and significant damage to three bridges on the B8035 South of Salen.

The road is closed between Knock and A849 junction. Local access is available where possible but the route is severed because the three bridges are damaged.

At around 2100 last night (Thursday 5 July) a party of 11 hill walkers and 5 cars were stranded after the landslide and damage to the road but were rescued by two private boats from the Ben More and Ledmore estates.

The police were the first on the scene followed shortly afterwards by the council’s roads team who put up signs warning people about what happened.

The council’s roads team are clearing the road of debris but it will be closed for the foreseeable future. However this will not affect any strategic routes.

Argyll and Bute Council Leader Roddy McCuish said, “I would like to thank our hard working staff, the police and the Ben More and Ledmore Estates for acting so quickly. I am delighted the hill walkers were rescued and are all safe. The 5 cars are still stuck between the landslide and a damaged bridge and they will be moved as soon as possible. Roads engineers are assessing the damage and will look at short and long term measures to restore the road and access via the B8035.”