Welcome extended to all attendees by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop MSP (FH)

FH welcomed everyone to the 26th meeting of the A83 Taskforce, which was a hybrid meeting held from the Three Villages Hall in Arrochar with members also joining virtually.

FH expressed her sadness on the passing of Councillor Robin Currie and passed on her sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.

FH invited attendees in the room to introduce themselves and noted that apologies would be included in the minute.

FH informed the group that positive engagement with stakeholders will continue through the Taskforce, and reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to Argyll and Bute to ensure the A83 is open for business. FH noted the importance of the A83 and its connection to the communities and corridors in the Argyll and Bute area and also that the Rest and Be Thankful (RaBT) needs a solution for those directly impacted when the A83 is cut off.

FH outlined the next steps which includes the detailed design and assessment of the preferred option, which is progressing at pace, and will conclude with the publication of draft orders which are expected to be published by the end of this year. FH added that progress thereafter this depends on any representations including any objections. FH reiterated that the delivery of the permanent long term solution (LTS) is a priority and we will continue to seek to deliver that as quickly as possible.

FH confirmed that the Scottish Government is pushing forward with the Medium Term Solution (MTS) improvements to the Old Military Road (OMR) to create a more  resilient diversion route until the LTS is in place and confirmed she will be visiting the area after today’s meeting.

FH outlined Phase one works commenced in December and construction of the new link road is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, with the next phase expected to commence later this year.

FH added that significant ground investigation work for the MTS has commenced on site and a separate ground investigation contract for the LTS will be awarded shortly. The information obtained from these investigations will inform the ongoing design work which continues at pace.