Local Helensburgh & Lomond MSP Jackie Baillie raised the recurring problems of landslips on the A83 with the First Minister. This followed a joint letter from Jackie Baillie MSP, Michael Russell MSP, Donald Cameron MSP and Cllr Aileen Morton, Leader of Argyll & Bute Council demanding that the Scottish Government take action to find a long term solution for the road.

The First Minister advised that the issue of the A83 was raised this week by the Transport Secretary at Cabinet and provided reassurances that the issue of finding a permanent solution to the problem is receiving attention from the Scottish Government.

Commenting Jackie Baillie MSP for Helensburgh & Lomond said:

“I welcome the commitment from the First Minister that the issue of finding a permanent solution to the problems with the A83 will be considered as a priority by the Scottish Government.

“I look forward to the Transport Secretary working with politicians from the Parliament and the Council, who signed the joint letter to him and the First Minister this week, to find a joined up approach to address the continued problems with landslips on the A83.

“The consequences of not finding a permanent solution will devastate the Argyll & Bute economy and continue the huge delays that many frustrated local residents have to put up with, which would be simply unacceptable.”

NOTES TO EDITOR: 

• Copy of Jackie’s question and the First Minister’s response as taken from the Scottish Parliament Official Record of First Minister’s Questions on Wednesday 12th August 2020 below:

Rest and Be Thankful (Closure)

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): 

The First Minister will be aware that the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful is closed again as a result of a major land slip last week. I am sure that she will want to join me in thanking those who are working hard to reopen the road. However, all the political leaders in Argyll and Bute Council, Mike Russell, Donald Cameron and I have jointly written to the First Minister to press the case for more action to be taken, because the economic impact on the area is devastating. Will the First Minister agree to convene the A83 task force as a matter of urgency to focus on finding a permanent solution, and finding it quickly?

The First Minister (Nicola Sturgeon): 

I thank Jackie Baillie for raising that extremely serious issue. I also thank all the travellers and services who are involved for their forbearance and their work. We must find a solution. Michael Matheson raised the issue at Cabinet yesterday, and he is seeking to take forward that joined-up approach to determining the best way forward. I assure members that the issue is of the utmost priority to the Government. Clearly, there is a lot of work to be done on developing a solution, and we will keep Parliament updated.