Permanent solution for the A83 Rest and Be Thankful

A83 landslide

For several years now, residents and businesses across Argyll and Bute and further afield have seen one of the main roads linking Argyll to the rest of Scotland partially closed off because of landslides.

The Rest and Be Thankful section of the A83 road is an iconic stretch of road, with stunning scenery around it, and a long and proud history in the surrounding area. Above all else, it is a vital section of road, linking communities across Argyll to the Central Belt of Scotland, including Kintyre, Cowal, and Mid-Argyll.

There have been multiple instances of landslides blocking this section of road over many years, and despite recent investment on landslide mitigation measures, these problems persist.

Blockages to the road can be devastating for the local economy and for businesses, as well as being severely disruptive for local residents given the limited travel options available as an alternative to the A83.

It is clear that a permanent solution is required, which ensures that the A83 is fully accessible all year round, and that the uncertainty caused by landslides is avoided as best as practicably possible.

The community needs to come together, as one voice, to tell the Scottish Government that decisive action is needed now.

Donald Cameron MSP 

Sign the petition today:

https://www.change.org/p/scottish-government-urge-the-scottish-government-to-seek-a-permanent-solution-for-the-a83-rest-and-be-thankful 

News

SNP slammed over wasted spending at Rest and Be Thankful

SNP ministers have been severely criticised after it was revealed that millions of pounds have been wasted on unsuccessful mitigation measures at the Rest and Be Thankful on the A83 trunk road in Argyll and Bute. The scale of spending – nearly £3m over five years - was revealed in a response to a F

Concern A83 diversionary route crumbling

Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has said that he is becoming increasingly concerned by reports from local people that the Old Military Road, an alternative route used when the A83 is closed, is crumbling as a result of increased traffic. In recent months the A83 – an important trunk r

Failure to upgrade A83 threatens economic recovery of Argyll  

Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has warned that years of neglect in addressing the problems afflicting the A83 are a threat to the economic recovery of Argyll and Bute. Mr Cameron voiced his comments after Transport Scotland route manager, Neil MacFarlane, warned that thousands of ton

Rural Growth Deal boost to local economy

A £70 million investment in economic growth for Argyll and Bute has been agreed on 11th with the formal signing of the area’s rural growth deal.

Ten years to deliver permanent solution to Rest and Be Thankful

Commenting on reports that it may take ten years to deliver a permanent solution to repeated closures of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful, Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron said: “A fit-for-purpose road is essential if we are to attract investment and new jobs for people in Argy

SNP lack of action on A83 “inexcusable”

Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has described the SNP Government’s lack of action in delivering a permanent solution to the problems besetting the A83 as “inexcusable”, after Argyll and Bute Council today passed an emergency motion on the ongoing impact of frequent road closures. The

Public urged to respond to A83 consultation

Two local Argyll politicians have called on the general public to participate in Transport Scotland’s ongoing public consultation into a new route into Argyll in response to a series of landslides at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful. Following years of local campaigns, and calls from politicians across

Rest and Be Thankful consultation must deliver permanent solution

Scottish Conservative representatives have called on the SNP Government to ensure that a permanent solution is finally found for the Rest and Be Thankful. The calls from local MSP’s Maurice Corry and Donald Cameron, alongside Councillors Alastair Redman and Barbara Morgan have reacted to plans that

Welcome for council’s winter road preparations

Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has welcomed Argyll and Bute Council’s announcement of its preparations for dealing with winter conditions on the road network. “Given our unique geography, local people and businesses are very reliant on a road system which as we all know can be vulner

Cameron urges residents to have their say on A83

Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron is urging local residents and businesses to have their say when it comes to finding a permanent solution for the A83. Mr Cameron made his comments after receiving a response from Transport Secretary Michael Matheson to his most recent letter requesting