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.

Local MSP Maurice Corry has joined forces with Lomond North Councillor Barbara Morgan and Councillor Alastair Redman, who is the council's lead Economic Development Spokesman to demand SNP Transport Secretary Michael Matheson finally sorts out the A83 once and for all.

Drivers are currently facing a 60 mile diversion with the Old Military road also caused with the local Conservative representatives hitting out at the lack of urgency to properly upgrade and invest in the A83.

They have accused Mr Matheson of taking his eye off the ball and say that a similar amount of regular closures and diversions would never be seen on major roads in the central belt.

Commenting, Maurice Corry MSP said: "This latest closure is another huge inconvenience for motorists especially with the Old Military Road closed as well.

"These closures show the complete ineptness of the SNP and Transport Secretary Michael Matheson to show any sign of urgency to find a permanent solution on the A83.

"For far too long motorists have to put up with closures the moment we see bad weather that can last for days and weeks, which is a hammer blow to the local economy.

"It is time this latest closure acts as the catalyst once and for all for the SNP to properly invest and upgrade in this vital trunk road in Argyll and Bute."

Councillor Barbara Morgan added: "It is long overdue for the SNP Government to come up with a solution once and for all for the Rest and Be Thankful.

"It is disgraceful the upheaval motorists have to continually face as a result of complete inaction from consecutive Transport Secretaries in the SNP Government.

"The route is absolutely vital for the local economy and at a time when we need to be trying to attract visitors to the region, then this simply cannot go on."

Councillor Alastair Redman said: "The situations that constantly occur at Rest and Be Thankful simply would not happen in any of the major routes in the central belt.

"The SNP continue to ignore our rural communities and have completely failed to invest in our major roads, which are in urgent need of upgrading and sustainable investment.

"Argyll and Bute Council have consistently called for a permanent solution to the Rest and Be Thankful and it is time Michael Matheson listened to these calls."