A83 Rest solution remains a ’priority’
A solution to the problems on the A83 at the Rest and be Thankful remains a “priority project” for the Scottish Government, councillors have been told.
Argyll and Bute Council leader Robin Currie, of the Kintyre and the Islands ward, and Provost Maurice Corry and Iain S Paterson, both Lomond North, recently attended a taskforce meeting for an update.
And a report from that meeting states they were told that money is guaranteed for the project to provide a new route through Glen Croe.
The report went before a meeting of the council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee yesterday (Thursday). An update on the project was given on Wednesday January 25 by transport minister Jenny Gilruth, with support from Scottish Government officials.
Members of several other organisations were also present.
Council executive director Kirsty Flanagan said: “During the taskforce meeting, a discussion took place about the communication of the announcement for the medium-term solution and also about some of the less than positive communications transmitted by national media groups in situations when the Rest and be Thankful is closed. It was agreed by all at the meeting that endeavours would be made for more positive communications about Argyll and Bute being open for business in situations when the A83 may not be available.
“At the meeting, the council leader also raised the question of the commitment of funding for the medium-term and longterm solutions. The minister for transport confirmed that monies are guaranteed and that this is a priority project for the Scottish Government and finance will be put in place for both the medium and long term solutions.”
The next taskforce meeting is due to take place in June. The planned Glen Croe route has five sub-options which are currently being explored. Ms Gilruth said in December that improvements would take place to the Old Military Road as a medium-term solution.