£6m boost for Argyll and Bute route

Another six million pounds is to be invested on the A83 in Argyll and Bute to mitigate the effects of landslides and improve the performance of the route.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said some of the money will help with delivery of other maintenance schemes on the A83, such as The Strone Point realignment and the trunking of the A83 from Kennacraig to Campbeltown.

Brown said: “In the last seven years, The Scottish Government has invested more than £32 million on the A83, a clear acknowledgement that it is a lifeline route for communities.

“We want the road to remain operational, whatever the conditions, and we have made landslide mitigation our priority.

“The A83 Route Study has recommended actions to address landslide hazards at other locations and this funding will allow us to take forward a programme that will achieve a similar level of residual risk from landslides that we have achieved at The Rest.

“The trunking of the road between Campbeltown and Kennacraig is moving forward at pace and this will bring further benefits to the region’s communities and businesses.”

Argyll and Bute Council Leader, Councillor Dick Walsh, said: “The A83 is absolutely crucial to keep Argyll and Bute open for business. It plays a key part in our own strategic objectives of building a strong local economy and encouraging people to come to Argyll and Bute to live, work and visit.

“Such a vital transport connection undoubtedly deserves significant investment. I am delighted with the recognition that it will now be possible to do this mitigation work along the route, as well as the other projects which will all help to keep Argyll and Bute moving.

“This £6 million commitment is a very welcome and encouraging acknowledgement of the importance of the A83 to Argyll and Bute and its people, communities and businesses.”