The Rest – an open letter to Michael Matheson MSP, Minister of Transport

Dear Mr Matheson,

As a resident of Minard for the last 22 years, I am well used to the issues of the recurrent landslides affecting the A83, in particular at the Rest and be Thankful.

I am directly affected as I work in Helensburgh as a vital NHS worker and I have family members, neighbours, friends and colleagues living in Mid Argyll and Kintyre who also work beyond Arrochar. The ongoing issues with the Rest are causing significant stress and hardship.

In recent weeks, the uncertainty over which route will be open – Old Military Road (OMR) or the detour via Loch Lomond and Dalmally – is causing a huge amount of stress and logistic challenges. All these roads are vital artery routes that carry freight/timber/vital supplies as well as being the route for emergency vehicles and hospital transport – never mind the regular day-to-day business access for people living in Argyll. Many of us have to attend medical appointments in Paisley, Glasgow or the Vale of Leven – a lengthy detour that is potentially also subject to closure makes for a harrowing journey.

It is a massive concern to me and all residents in Mid Argyll and Kintyre that this main route is potentially very dangerous and increasingly unreliable with the worsening weather we are experiencing in recent years.

It strikes me as shocking and dilitory on the part of our Scottish Goverment that it has not yet made headway in securing a permanent solution to provide a safe reliable route that provides vital access for Argyll residents to the central belt. The issues with road closures at short notice have caused stress for those accessing hospital appointments, getting to work, getting vital supplies, travelling further afield, travelling home – necessitating longer journey times, missed appointments, bus transport delays never mind the additional costs in fuel/wear and tear on vehicles plus fatigue and stress causing hardship in having to factor in additional times.

Argyll relies on visitors to our beautiful region and this unsafe route is negatively impacting on the income to the area tourists and visitors should be bringing. The journey from Inveraray to Arrochar normally takes 30-35 minutes. The OMR is adding up to 25 minutes to that. The Dalmally detour takes about 70 minutes so adds around 35 minutes. With increased traffic and potential traffic queues, the actual time is often far in excess of an extra 35 minutes – often more like 50 minutes.

I have a neighbour who recently started working as a firefighter in Dumbarton. When there is uncertainty over the OMR being open, he is leaving at 4am to ensure he arrives for his shift. Driving home after a heavy 12 hours is often not possible because of fatigue, so he has to factor in overnight stays away from his family. This situation is occurring for many who live and work on opposite sides of the Rest.

I ask the Scottish Government and ministers stop dragging their heels and respect the rights of the people of Argyll to have a safe transport network by implementing a immediate plan to make a safe route in and out of Argyll instead of continuing to waste cash and put people’s lives at risk with this temporary, not-fit-for purpose patch up job.

Liz Taylor-Feeney, NHS physiotherapist, Minard.