Permanent solution for the A83 Rest and Be Thankful

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

Community anger over latest A83 closure

Shadow Finance Secretary Donald Cameron has written to Transport Minister Michael Matheson urging him to 'wake up' to the implications of the latest closure of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful. Mr Cameron, a Highlands and Islands MSP,  said: “My letter is designed to impress on the min

A83 shambles hammer blow to local economy

Argyll and Bute Conservative representatives have slammed the SNP's continued lack of urgency to find a permanent solution to the problems that continue to engulf the Rest and Be Thankful.

Poor roads stifling economic growth

At today's MAKI meeting I had the opportunity to raise many pressing matters that are facing my constituents as well as other areas of Argyll and Bute. These included the condition of Islay High School's ageing building and the need to invest more in maintaining some of our older school properties.

Postponement of A83 taskforce meeting is “unbelievable”

Highlands and Islands Scottish Conservative MSP Donald Cameron has described a decision by Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, to postpone a  meeting of the A83 taskforce by more than two months as “unbelievable”. The meeting, which was due to take place yesterday (27th&nbs

Serious questions about level of priority A83 being given

The next planned meeting of the A83 taskforce was due to take place on March 27, but in a letter dated March 25 George Fiddes, special projects manager with Transport Scotland, has informed task-force members that this meeting has been cancelled and rescheduled for June 5. The reason for the cancel

Future growth stifled by poor infrastructure

I was pleased to attend the latest Argyll Islands Strategic Group meeting in Kilmory recently. I was able to speak to Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council representatives about the challenges facing our Island communities.

Action needed on A83

My fellow Councillors and I unanimously agreed at the recent meeting of full Council, that action on the A83 is needed in response to the impact on residents and businesses of the most recent closure of the road. Local Residents, Businesses, Parliamentarians and Councillors have all been