Part 2 - A83 Operation and Road Maintenance

DL thanked the Cabinet Secretary for her time and input in chairing the Taskforce meetings and wished her all the best in her retirement. DL invited ER from BEAR Scotland to present an update on their ongoing maintenance and operations work on the wider A83 Trunk Road.

BEAR Scotland update on current ongoing road operation and maintenance

ER provided update on the current ongoing road operation and maintenance programme on the wider A83 Trunk Road. ER also noted that they had commenced meetings with Argyll and Bute Council to discuss any issues or emergency situations.

A copy of the slides can be found in Annex C.

General discussion and AoB

DL thanked ER and invited queries from members of the Taskforce on the wider A83 Trunk Road network.

Iain Catterwell (IC) asked for elaboration on the steps being taken further to the removal of the Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) trees.

ER noted they were in the early stages of these discussions and planning works are ongoing. ER noted engagement with FLS on these matters is ongoing.

IC noted this was raised at the 29^th A83 Taskforce meeting and that it would be helpful to have notice on this when it progressed, and asked FLS for input on this.

Nick Gough (NC) noted they were developing proposals currently and were in discussion with Transport Scotland and BEAR.

JA reaffirmed that the meetings between Argyll and Bute Council and BEAR were useful especially in dealing with issues. JA also noted that the work done to cut back scrub was helpful and had been well received. JA added that there is a lot of focus on the negative but it is important to recognise the positive work undertaken.

ER appreciated the feedback and noted that this will require constant attention and regular maintenance to keep it under control. DL added that vegetation cutback is an issue that is being addressed across the wider trunk road network.

JG noted that the minister had talked about the review to the Erines pinch point and asked how this would be addressed going forward. ER noted it was an open action for the Taskforce and ongoing updates would be provided at future meetings. JG asked if timescales could be provided for this. ER noted that the plan was to conclude the options review this financial year. ER noted that this work may require environmental surveys and land acquisitions and would therefore take some time before it was complete. DL noted that an update would be provided on the timescales in the future.

DL thanked everyone for their attendance and contributions to the meeting and noted that the minutes for this meeting will be issued in due course.

DL noted that there would be a new cabinet following elections in May and as such Transport Scotland would be in touch in due course with a date for the next Taskforce meeting, however, it was noted that this may be after the summer period following the Scottish Parliament elections, to allow a settling in period for Ministers.