GM presented slides which included an update on the ongoing hillside monitoring regime, planned improvements at Glen Kinglas, emergency protection works at Aray Bridge, Forestry and Land Scotland planting works and the wider A83/A82 programme.

A copy of the slides can be found in Annex A (will be uploaded soon).

FH thanked GM for his presentation which provided a valuable update to confirm the efforts to ensure the A83 remained open. FH thanked all the operators for their efforts in Storm Babet, in tough conditions, and the continued work even now to keep traffic moving on the A83. FH added that Argyll & Bute Council’s role in the Local Resilience Partnership was considerable and recognised how difficult and challenging it was at that time. She asked those on the call to accept her thanks for their considerable efforts at that time, noting that we are still dealing with the consequences.

FH asked the group if they had any questions for GM.

• RC noted at the time of the storm, Argyll effectively became another island due to the impact on roads and other transport infrastructure. However, he highlighted to the group that a lot of work was done and thanks is due to the people involved. He added that there are positives from the work already done at the RaBT as a lot of landslide material has been captured by the bunds and catchpits which have been installed, for which he was grateful, reiterating that a good job has been done.

FH and GM thanked RC for his feedback.

• JG echoed the comments from RC noting that it was the quickest response he had seen to clear material from the RaBT and Glen Kinglas in a great effort. He added that he would also like to recognise the efforts of Argyll & Bute Council as there were 33 landslides in Argyll that same weekend. He highlighted that this was the week before Storm Babet. The council cleared a lot of material from the A816 and built three bridges and a new road in approximately two months which is a fantastic achievement.

FH acknowledged the work that the council had undertaken and that this is a stern reminder of what we are dealing with presently, and in the future. FH added that the mitigation work has been proven. The work of BEAR Scotland and the council was considerable and needed to be recognised.

• AB enquired about potential landslip risk across the whole A83 route, not just in Glen Croe, and whether there is currently a monitoring assessment protocol in place to give foresight of potential future landslips across the wider A83 corridor and allow mitigation to be put in place.

GM confirmed that BEAR Scotland is carrying out a geomorphology assessment at Glen Kinglas in response to the events that occurred on 7 October.

With respect to the wider route and trunk road network, TW noted that the Scottish landslide management and action plan was published in 2008 and identified a number of areas along the trunk road network. The A83 is part of this, with the RaBT identified as the highest risk with Glen Kinglas and Cairndow all forming part of the annual monitoring programme. Following the landslide at Glen Kinglas this has now been moved into a higher priority level which includes a wider hillside assessment and geomorphology studies as noted by GM.

FH informed the Taskforce that she had recently met with academics that are working on wireless and satellite water saturation monitoring, at an event where universities come together to use their innovation and technology to help. FH added that with climate change being an ongoing issue, the need to use all expertise and the academic capability to help in this area will be important going forward.

Action

Transport Scotland to consider an agenda item on water saturation at a future Taskforce meeting.