This week local Helensburgh & Lomond MSP Jackie Baillie raised the recurring problems of landslips on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful with the Transport Secretary. This was following BEAR Scotland’s announcement over the weekend that the A83 was closed again, having reopened less than a week earlier, after over 2,000 tonnes of debris covered the road on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Jackie Baillie MSP called on the Scottish Government to put in place additional mitigation measures to protect the A83 and the Old Military Road and asked the Scottish Government to accelerate the process of finding a permanent solution as promised at the A83 Task Force meeting at the end of August..

Commenting Jackie Baillie MSP for Helensburgh & Lomond said:

“It’s frustrating that yet again the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful is closed, not least because it was only less than a week ago that it reopened following the last landslide.

“I want to thank all the people who are working hard to get the road cleared, but it’s increasingly evident that the mitigation measures are inadequate when faced with the Scottish weather.

“It is vital that the Scottish Government accelerate the process to find a permanent solution to the continued problems on the road.

“Last month the A83 taskforce met and were told that there were 11 potential options for a permanent solution. The Scottish Government agreed to accelerate the consultation process on these options with the local community and businesses, but ultimately we need to see an alternative provided in the quickest time possible.

“Every closure is deeply damaging to the Argyll & Bute economy, never mind adding to the frustration of locaql residents and businesses who rely on the road being open.”