At today’s meeting of the A83 task force Transport Minister Derek Mackay MSP announced a further £3million of funding for key works on the A83 at Glen Kinglas and the Loch Shira bend. This comes on the back of £9million already committed to mitigation measures against landslips, ensuring Argyll and Bute remains open for business.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Depute Leader, Councillor Ellen Morton, attended the meeting and said afterwards: ‘’The council warmly welcomes this additional investment from the Scottish Government and their continuing commitment to ensuring Argyll and Bute remains open for business. This is a critical route and we are happy to see that the Scottish Government remains focused, as we are, on giving people the confidence that access to Argyll is maintained at all times.

‘’Hopefully this additional work will further mitigate against the effects of landslips, however, netting works on the hillside remain a temporary measure. Although the Old Military Road has worked well during recent incidents, carrying thousands of motorists in and out, we still need to explore options which guarantee continuity of access.  

‘’It is only the Scottish Government that can provide the answer. We are committed to doing all that we as a local authority can do, however, it is ultimately a matter for the trunk roads authority. I am pleased that we continue to have these positive strategic meetings and maintain our dialogue with colleagues at national government level.

‘’We need to find the best practical, affordable solution that we can and I am pleased that Transport Scotland’s engineers will be undertaking further analysis of other options with a view to bringing an update to the next task force meeting.’’

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