Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, yesterday raised, in the Scottish Parliament, constituents’ concerns about repeated flooding of the A85 trunk road near Lochawe village in Argyll.
During a question on the impact of flooding upon infrastructure, at Infrastructure Question Time, Jamie challenged Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister & Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure.
Jamie asked:
“What discussions has the cabinet secretary had with colleagues to ensure that the appropriate cleaning of gullies, burns, and culverts is taking place to prevent flooding on roads such as the A85 near Lochawe village, which constantly floods in heavy rains?”
Ms Sturgeon responded:
“I assure Jamie McGrigor that those discussions take place on an on-going basis. The Transport Minister has had some specific discussions about the issues affecting roads that Mr McGrigor has raised. All the specific risk factors for flooding are central to the overall work that we do on flooding, and I would be more than happy - either personally or through the appropriate minister - to provide further details to any members with particular local issues”.
Commenting afterwards, Jamie said:
“Constituents are concerned about repeated flooding on the A85 in areas near Lochawe village, and I share their concerns. Sections of this stretch of lochside road have the particular danger of water over 200 feet deep directly below, and flooding is dangerous as it has the potential to make cars swerve.
“It is vital that Transport Scotland and the council ensure that all gullies, burns, and culverts along the length of the road are cleaned and cleared appropriately and regularly, so that they are able to cope with heavy rain. This, of course, applies to all the local and trunk roads across my region, and is extremely important if we want to minimise the impact of flooding".