Update 14 November 2025
Two sections of masonry wall in Ardbeg have previously collapsed and were temporarily repaired using Legato blocks in 2022. A very robust, temporary seawall in the form of legato blocks was installed to protect the road and public safety, and also the numerous utilities behind the wall / below the footway. Heras fencing has been in place since then as part of the public safety measures and this has been monitored along with the temporary seawall.
Ardbeg sea wall prior to work starting with the temporary Legato blocks to stabilise the wall.
Argyll and Bute Council is undertaking these works to carry out a permanent repair to further protect the public road network, the shoreline of Argyll and Bute and existing coastal protection assets. Works involved include:
- Removal of damaged pedestrian fencing and install a new like-for-like pedestrian handrail
- Installation of like-for-like pedestrian bollards and chains along line of existing footpath railing
- Construction of existing cope beam repairs like-for-like along footpath where previous damage has occurred
- Installation of rock armour at toe of interlocking concrete blocks
- Construction of reinforced concrete, in-situ slabs and capping edge beam
- Installation of drainage weepholes within reinforced concrete edge beam
- Break out and reinstate pedestrian footpath
A contract was awarded for these works to Ross MacArthur Ltd for £568,933.92 on 15/10/2025. Works started on site on 27/10/2025. A marine license is currently due to be secured although exact date is unknown. The works that are progressing are above Mean High Water Springs (MHWS) so a license is not required to undertake this section of works. Works are currently anticipated to be completed early next year (2026).
The damage concrete copes have been removed and a new edge beam is being installed.
A layer of Legato blocks have been removed and a layer of concrete is being laid to tie in with the new cope (a beam the handrail can sit on) level.
