Landslides continue to block A83 in Argyll because of years of SNP dithering

Former MP and Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Argyll and Bute, Alan Reid has today attacked the SNP's slow progress in delivering a solution for landslides that have consistently disrupted travel on the A83 in Argyll.

Traffic Scotland announced this morning that another landslide has closed the road, warning that debris was blocking the road in both directions at Butterbridge, in Glen Kinglas.

Drivers have been warned to expect delays, with diversions in place via the A819, A85 and A82.

The need for action to stop landslides blocking the A83 in Glen Kinglas was identified in the "Scottish Road Network Landslides Study" published in 2008. In the following years recommendations were made to tackle this risk, such as forestry planting, a steel barrier, catch ditches or pits and bunds. A little work has been carried out, but this latest landslide shows that not nearly enough has been done.

Alan Reid said:

“The A83 is an essential link for both residents and visitors to Argyll.

“We’ve had to put up with more than a decade of landslides blocking the road because none of the dozen SNP transport ministers or secretaries that we’ve had in that time have been prepared to tackle Argyll & Bute's transport problems.

"Scottish Liberal Democrats will make addressing the transport needs of our Highland and Island communities a priority, not just dither and delay for another decade. We need to get Argyll & Bute moving again.”