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 road serving communities across Argyll and Bute and the West Highlands -  has been frequently closed following heavy  rainfall and landslips,  increasing concerns that it threatens the economic recovery of the area after the Covid pandemic.

Mr Cameron said: “The Old Military Road was never intended to carry the volumes of traffic, including heavy commercial vehicles,  that are now regularly pounding it as a result of the problems with the A83.

“It’s got so bad that some drivers are worried that their cars may be damaged by the potholes that are forming.

“However given that the alternative diversion to the Old Military Road is an extra 60 miles of driving it’s no wonder that local people will be very reluctant to see it closed for repairs.

“Frankly, the neglect and short-sightedness of the SNP Government in failing to have put in place a permanent solution during their 14 years in office is really coming home to roost.

“It seems extraordinary that right now our local SNP representatives are investing their time and energy in an Independence Task Force when it’s the hard-working A83 Task Force which really needs super-charging.”