New call for improved transport

A CALL by the West Coast’s leading economic development agency has concluded that the entrances and exits to Oban need to be improved and train journey times need cutting.

A report published on Tuesday, June 28, calls for investment in the A85 Oban to Tyndrum, the A816 Oban to Lochgilphead and improvements on the Glasgow to Oban train line.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) commissioned ekosgen to carry out the Argyll and Bute Transport Connectivity and Economy Study last year.

After consulting more than 40 businesses and organisations, the report highlights transport and its effect on the economy in Argyll and Bute. It claims there is an urgent need for investment to increase the population and safeguard the area’s financial future.

The report focused on times between the main population centres of Dunoon, Campbeltown, Lochgilphead, Oban and Rothesay, and from these onward to Glasgow.

The report suggests investment can play a significant role in encouraging population and economic growth. It concluded that, in addition to Scottish Government plans regarding the A82, A83, rail and ferry services, the following transport corridors should be given consideration: the A85, including access to Oban; the A816, to improve journey times on the Oban to Lochgilphead corridor; remove the constraints posed by the single-track sections of the Dunoon- Colintraive-Portavadie road (B836/A8003/ B8000); and investment to reduce the West Coast railway journey times.