Hundreds of complaints about state of Islay roads

There were more than 100 road related complaints on Islay for two successive months, writes David McPhee.

Figures from May show 106 road faults were raised from Islay, while 101 were reported for June.

Councillor Alastair Redman and MSP Donald Cameron have issued a joint plea seeking additional funding to sort ‘potholes and crumbling roads’ on the island.

But Argyll and Bute Council says it is investing more than £850,000 on roads in Islay and Jura this year.

Alastair Redman said: ‘The news that the number of faults being raised on Islay’s roads now dwarfs the number of faults being raised from Oban, despite the vast population and traffic flow differences, is striking.

‘I have been inundated with at least 100 complaints.

‘I understand road networks across Scotland and the rest of our United Kingdom are facing huge challenges. That said, Islay, with its vast industrial output from our world-famous distilleries, has contributed a lot to the Scottish and wider UK economy but we have sadly received very little in return.

‘Whatever the differences between our UK and Scottish governments, it is essential they address the longstanding, justifiable anger that is felt among my fellow Ileachs.’

Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron said: ‘I saw for myself the condition of the roads on Islay earlier in the year. It’s simply unacceptable for them to remain in such a dire state.’

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: ‘This year the council is investing more than £8 million in capital improvements to our roads network, with £866,140 being spent on Islay and Jura.

‘This is in addition to the investment in day-to-day maintenance work such as patching and filling potholes. Complaints about road defects are dealt with and prioritised accordingly.’