ARGYLL AND Bute MSP Jenni Minto has welcomed an announcement from the Scottish Government that they intend to appoint Atkins WSP Joint Venture to progress design and development work for the route through Glen Croe, which represents a significant investment o f £ 25M from the Scottish Government.
A preferred route corridor for the permanent solution was announced on March 18, 2021.
Atkins WSP Joint Venture will commence design work later this month.
MSP for Argyll and Bute, Jenni Minto said: “This is a very welcome announcement which recognises the urgency of the delivery on both a medium and long term solution to at the A83 Rest and be Thankful.
“It has been clear to me that since the Minister’s appointment and her first meeting with the A83 task force and campaign group she has been determined to ensure these solutions are delivered as quickly as possible and there are no unnecessary delays.
“The delivery of a permanent solution is essential to securing a prosperous future for Argyll and Bute and this is why it remains a top priority for the Scottish Government.
“I will continue to do all I can as the MSP for Argyll and Bute to work with the A83 taskforce, the campaign group, my fellow MSPs and the Scottish Government to see that this is delivered. I intend to lead a members business debate in the next term focussed on exactly that.”
Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron also welcomed the news, but said meaningful action had taken ‘far too long’.
He commented: “People and businesses in the area have been calling for a permanent solution to the landslide issues at the Rest and be Thankful for several years. “ While any development on this is welcome, most are in agreement that it has taken the Scottish Government far too long to take meaningful action.
“Every time the road is closed there are severe consequences for the local economy, not to mention huge inconvenience for people trying to lead their everyday lives. “The SNP has a poor record when it comes to delivering projects like this on time and on budget, and taxpayers will be following this process every step of the way.”
Commenting, the Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: “It is clear that the Rest and be Thankful needs an urgent solution, which will be certain to the lives of those directly impacted when the A83 is cut off. “This investment from the Scottish Government represents a significant milestone because it will allow the vital design work needed to commence at pace.
“We will bring forward proposals for the medium term by the end of this year, with an announcement on the preferred route option for the long term by spring 2023.”
