Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn has agreed to meet with representatives from a large business campaign group concerned about proposed traffic management during construction work on Scotland’s problematic Rest and Be Thankful route. The move comes amid significant opposition from businesses and politicians who warn that the planned diversionary measures could have severe economic repercussions for the Argyll and Bute region.
Concerns Over Proposed Traffic Management
The primary issue revolves around the proposed use of the traditional A83 Old Military Road as a diversion during the construction of a long-term solution for the landslide-prone A83 route. Businesses fear that implementing convoy traffic management, involving single-lane access controlled by traffic lights, would be “economically catastrophic” for Argyll and Bute. They argue that such a system would significantly disrupt trade, tourism, and daily life for the area.
In a letter to the campaign group, Mr. Flynn stated his intention to consider the material they provide, alongside input from the A83 Taskforce and public consultation responses, before making a decision on the medium-term solution. He emphasized the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering a permanent and resilient infrastructure solution to address the ongoing landslip risks at the Rest and Be Thankful.
“I would like to reassure you that the Scottish Government is committed to an infrastructure solution to address the A83 Rest and Be Thankful landslip risks,” Mr. Flynn wrote. “Delivery of a permanent and resilient solution is a priority, and we will continue to seek ways to achieve that as quickly as possible.”
A Long Road to a Solution
The problems at the Rest and Be Thankful, a crucial route through Glen Croe connecting communities, have persisted for years. A dedicated Scottish Government taskforce was established in August 2012 to address the landslide risks and explore solutions. Despite selecting a preferred route for a permanent £500 million fix involving a debris shelter in 2020, construction has yet to commence.
Transport Scotland officials have indicated that a public local inquiry might be necessary for the permanent scheme, a process that could add a further 12 to 18 months to the timeline. The permanent solution is estimated to cost between £408 million and £510 million. While draft orders for this project were published in December 2024, objections have been lodged, potentially necessitating the inquiry.
Campaign Group’s Alternative Proposals
The campaign group, representing approximately 1,500 businesses, has been actively opposing the proposed diversionary arrangements. They argue that constructing a new road on an existing forestry track could be a more cost-effective and faster alternative, potentially taking six years to complete at roughly half the cost of the current preferred long-term plan.
A letter sent to Mr. Flynn on September 18 by Brendan O’Hara MP, and co-signed by numerous regional political figures, business organizations, and industry representatives, highlighted the unanimous view among stakeholders that the convoy system would be detrimental. Signatories included Argyll and Bute Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Mid-Argyll Chamber of Commerce, the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the Federation of Small Businesses, the National Farmers Union of Scotland, and the Road Haulage Association, among others representing sectors like construction, aquaculture, fishing, forestry, and tourism.
The letter stated: “There is not a single sector of our economy which would not be adversely affected by this proposal, and many businesses, both large and small have collated evidence of the negative economic impact that this proposal would have on them. They are more than happy to share those figures with you and your colleagues at Transport Scotland.”
The group specifically requested an urgent face-to-face meeting before any final decision is made on the use of the Old Military Road. They stressed the need for ministers to fully understand the impact of a potential four-year convoy system on local communities.
Medium-Term vs. Long-Term Solutions
The government’s strategy involves both medium-term and long-term plans. The medium-term objective is to enhance the Old Military Road to serve as a more reliable diversion when the A83 is impassable due to landslips. The estimated cost for this scheme is around £40 million, with potential construction start dates within 18 months if a public local inquiry is avoided.
The long-term project aims to establish a permanent, resilient route. This involves significant engineering works, including the proposed debris shelter, with a substantial estimated cost and a longer construction timeline. The government maintains its commitment to delivering this permanent solution as swiftly as possible, while acknowledging the complexities and potential delays associated with planning and approvals.
Conclusion
The upcoming meeting between the Transport Secretary and the business campaign group represents a critical juncture in resolving the long-standing issues at the Rest and Be Thankful. The outcome will likely influence the chosen medium-term traffic management strategy and potentially impact the timeline and approach for the permanent solution, with significant economic implications for Argyll and Bute hanging in the balance.
