Jenni Minto’s pledge regarding A83 at the Rest and ferry fleet
MSP gives maiden speech at parliament
New Argyll and Bute MSP Jenni Minto used her maiden speech to Holyrood to back quick improvements to the A83 and underline the importance of reliable ferry services.
During the election campaign, the Islay-based candidate stressed the importance of a permanent solution to the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.
The high-level route through the mountains has been beset with landslips and closures for years with the Old Military Road used as an alternative during bad weather.
As she made her opening vow to the Scottish Parliament last Wednesday, June 2, Ms Minto told ministers, including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon: ‘A permanent solution must be found and quickly for the Rest and Be Thankful and we need a reliable, versatile ferry fleet.
‘Farmers, fishers, whisky distillers, hauliers, small businesses, tourists and residents all depend on being able to travel safely and easily throughout Argyll and Bute.
‘I know the minister for transport has brought a new energy to solving these challenges and I look forward to working closely with him to find the solutions.’
Graeme Dey MSP was handed the transport brief following the cabinet reshuffle and Ms Minto said she immediately made contact to discuss the area’s twin transport problems.
Mr Dey has now visited the Rest to get an update on the progress and to thank staff for their hard work.
He said: ‘Addressing the resilience of the A83 Rest and Be Thankful is one of our top priorities so I was pleased to be able to visit the site and see the project for myself.
‘I can assure residents and road users that the situation is being treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves, with measures to maintain connectivity on a short, medium and long-term basis being implemented as quickly as possible.
‘Hearing first-hand accounts of the geo-technical challenges posed by this section of the road underlines the importance of the project.
‘I appreciate that the timescale to develop an alternative route as a long-term solution is frustrating for communities, but we will look to bring forward the programme where we can.
‘This is a huge project, so it’s vital we follow due process and undertake a thorough assessment of all the options and their potential impacts on the communities.’