Following pressure from communities and Argyll and Bute Council, Scottish Government has committed to finding a permanent solution for the Rest and Be Thankful. This step in the right direction is welcomed and the council urges further commitment to the urgent delivery of a solution.
Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, made the announcement at the A83 Taskforce group today, convened at the request of the council, with cross party support from local parliamentarians.
Councillor Aileen Morton, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council:
“Our communities along with the council have lobbied Scottish Government for over a decade asking them to find a permanent solution to the ongoing issues that affect our major trunk road.
Whilst we are relieved there is now a recognised case for investment along with a continuation of temporary mitigation measures, we need to move beyond these measures. What we need are construction timescales and a date for the new route to open. It is simply not enough to talk about the options and agree a consultation phase.
For years, closure of the A83 has seriously impacted our communities. The early signs are encouraging but we must see swift progress maintained until the new route is fully operational.”