Rest debacle questions still require answers

The announcement that a £1.8 million contract has been awarded to Raeburn Drilling and Geotechnical Ltd to undertake ground investigation work at the A83’s Rest and Be Thankful has been widely welcomed.

Argyll and Bute MSP Jenni Minto echoed all interested parties when stating that ‘the delivery of a permanent solution to end the frequent closures is essential to securing a prosperous future for the area’.

While agreeing with her sentiment, however, Argyll and Bute councillors Donald Kelly and Douglas Philand are determined to push ahead with their call for a public inquiry into where the £87 million of public money already spent has gone.

At a meeting of a Scottish Parliament committee on January 19, the question of an inquiry into the financial management of the project was met with a less than warm reception from the government politicians present, despite the backing of two petitions containing 10,000 signatures.

Councillor Kelly has since accused the committee of ‘sidestepping the issue’ and ‘missing the point’ while Councillor Philand commented: ‘If the panel believes there should be no inquiry about the management of £87 million I would have real worries.’

The Scottish Parliament Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee will write to the Scottish Parliament on the matter. Petition signatories await the outcome with bated breath.