Medium and long-term solution update

RG from AWJV provided an update on the upcoming ground investigation work, the medium and long-term solutions, the RaBT car park and ongoing consultation. 

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

RG concluded his update before passing to GR to provide an update on communications.

GR informed the group that colleagues from Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland have met to discuss communications and establish the official media outlets in terms of what type of information is provided and by which means, confirming that there is a lot of information in the public domain. In relation to the ongoing project for MTS and LTS, GR confirmed that the Transport Scotland website contains information on the project, as does the A83 Story Map which is updated regularly with the latest project news. He added that Transport Scotland also publish updates via Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter). In relation to the current status of A83 there’s a lot of information which is up to date and published daily on these websites as well as information published by Traffic Scotland and BEAR Scotland via their social media channels. A stakeholder email is also issued daily regarding the current status of the road and any upcoming works.

GR added that updates are also provided to the press and media and is aware that there has been concerns raised by the Taskforce about certain media outlets reporting that the road is closed when in fact it is open, with traffic diverted to the OMR. GR acknowledged that this can be frustrating for all concerned. When this has occurred, colleagues in BEAR Scotland have sought to correct the media outlets. In terms of media and press outlets, detailed updates are provided by Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland that are factually correct and are supplemented by real-time and social media updates such as “A83 traffic is diverted via the OMR and Argyll and Bute remains very much open for business”.

GR noted that Argyll and Bute Council also provide updates via their Facebook and X accounts, communicating a lot of information frequently. He added that he is aware that communications are regularly raised at the Taskforce and TS would like to know from the group what they think are the key issues, what information is missing or difficult to find and what the Taskforce thinks improvements might look like?