Major progress is being made towards resolving the long-standing landslip issues at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.
The Scottish Government has published draft Orders for both a long-term solution, featuring a proposed Debris Flow Shelter, and a medium-term plan to enhance the Old Military Road diversion route.
Public exhibitions to present the draft Orders and Environmental Impact Assessments will begin on January 15, alongside an online virtual exhibition.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving this critical route: “The Scottish Government remains dedicated to delivering a long-term solution to the landslip risks at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful. Publishing these draft Orders demonstrates our determination to ensure safe and reliable access for future generations.”
The proposed long-term solution includes a 1.4km Debris Flow Shelter with a catch pit, improved drainage, upgrades to the Rest and Be Thankful car park and viewpoint, and a new active travel link along the B828 Lochgoilhead road. The project will proceed following statutory approval, after which a construction timetable will be finalised.
In parallel, enhancements to the Old Military Road diversion route are progressing.
Completed works earlier this year included realigning the southern end of the route, and further improvements are planned for 2025. These include debris flow fencing, widening 1.4km of single-track road, easing three sharp bends, constructing a two-way bridge over Croe Water, and implementing landslide mitigation measures.
“These upgrades will significantly boost the resilience of the temporary diversion route, reducing the likelihood of landslides disrupting access,” said Ms Hyslop. “This provides greater certainty for residents and road users during adverse weather closures of the A83.”
Ms Hyslop encouraged public engagement, urging locals and stakeholders to attend the exhibitions or view the online materials.
Public exhibitions will be held across several venues in Argyll and Bute, including Lochgoilhead Village Hall on Friday, January 17 between 1pm and 6pm, Dunoon’s Queen’s Hall on Monday January 20 between 1pm and 7pm, and the Three Villages Hall in Arrochar on Tuesday, January 21 between 1pm and 7pm. There are also public exhibitions in Campbeltown and Lochgilphead.
“These initiatives underline our commitment to keeping Argyll and Bute connected and open for business,” Ms Hyslop added.
The virtual exhibition can be seen by scanning the code below:
<QR> https://www.pinpointcloud.co.uk/A83restandbethankful/
