A83 Taskforce - Meeting minutes - 29 May 2025

Attendees

• Fiona Hyslop MSP (FH) – Cabinet Secretary for Transport
• Jenni Minto MSP (JM) – Scottish Parliament
• Jackie Baillie MSP (JB) – Scottish Parliament
• Chiera McLaughlin (CM) – Office of Emma Rodick MSP
• Craig Peaston (CP) – Office of Fiona Hyslop MSP
• Heather Wolfe (HW) – Office of Jenni Minto MSP
• Michael Perera (MP) – office of Rhoda Grant MSP
• Lawrence Shackman (LS) – Transport Scotland
• Alasdair Graham (AG) – Transport Scotland
• Gavin Dyet (GD) – Transport Scotland
• Gordon Ramsay (GR) – Transport Scotland
• James Porteous (JP) – Transport Scotland
• Anthony Ross (AR) – Transport Scotland
• Douglas Laird (DL) – Transport Scotland
• Tanja Waaser (TW) – Transport Scotland
• Ian Woodcock (IW) – Transport Scotland
• Ho Yan Grace Lee (HYGL) – Transport Scotland
• Rory Gunn (RG) – AtkinsRealis WSP Joint Venture
• Caroline Trainer (CT) – AtkinsRealis WSP Joint Venture
• Eddie Ross (ER) – BEAR Scotland
• Ged Mitchell (GM) – BEAR Scotland
• Mike Baxter (MB) – BEAR Scotland
• Lauren McMinn (LMcM) – BEAR Scotland
• Cllr Dougie Philand (DP) – Argyll & Bute Council
• Cllr John Armour (JA) – Argyll & Bute Council
• Hugh O’Neill (HO) – Argyll and Bute Council
• John Gurr (JG) – RaBT Campaign Group Chair
• Matthew Mundell (MM) – B. Mundell Ltd
• Adrian Curtis (AC) – Cairndow Community Council
• John Hair (JH) – Forestry and Land Scotland
• Nick Gough (NG) – Forestry and Land Scotland
• Morag Goodfellow (MG) – Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Nicholas Sobey (NS) – Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Ranald Robertson (RR) – Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership
• Gavin Dick (GDi) – Inveraray Jail
• Amy Unitt (AU) – Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
• Lucy Sumsion (LSu) – National Farmers Union Scotland
• Martin Bell (MBe) – Road Haulage Association
• Iain Catterwell (IC) – Argyll Timber Transport Group
• Cathy Craig (CC) – Wild About Argyll

Apologies

• Edward Mountain MSP
• Alexandra Herdman – Logistics
• Hugh Gillies – Transport Scotland, Roads
• Martin Reid – Road Haulage Association
• Cllr Jim Lynch – Argyll and Bute Council
• Cllr William Sinclair – Argyll and Bute Council
• Gordon Ross – Western Ferries
• Gordon Watson – Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
• Ewan Colville
• Calum Ross
• Robert Kidd
• Agenda

Part 1 – A83 Rest and Be Thankful

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop MSP (FH) welcomed everyone to the 29^th A83 Taskforce meeting, which was being held virtually on MS Teams.

FH informed the group that positive engagement with stakeholders will continue through the Taskforce, through cooperation and engagement. FH reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to keeping Argyll and Bute open for business. FH noted the importance of the A83 Trunk Road and its connection to the communities and economy of the Argyll and Bute area.

FH noted the concerns raised previously in relation to the communications handling, particularly from BBC Scotland, when traffic is diverted onto the Old Military Road (OMR). FH was pleased to confirm that she had engaged with the head of news at BBC Scotland about their communications andnoted concern about the misinformation that has been broadcast previously. BBC Scotland responded positively and took an action to correct this moving forward and FH added that she had noticed that they are starting to use the phrase “alternative route”.

FH noted that the Scottish Government continues to progress through the Statutory Process following the publication of draft Orders and Environmental Impact Assessment Reports for the Medium and Long-Term Solutions on 13 December 2024, which marked a significant milestone for the project.

FH continued to note that following the publication of draft Orders, Transport Scotland is now considering all representations received, including objections, and is working at pace to resolve these if possible. FH noted that as she may be involved in the decision-making process it would not be appropriate to discuss the nature of any objections received.

FH emphasised that at the same time, the Scottish Government is pushing forward to deliver medium-term improvements to the OMR to make it a more resilient diversion route until the long-term solution (LTS) is in place. Phase 1 of these works, which comprises the realignment of the southern end of the route, became operational in Spring 2024. It is expected that the remainder of the medium-term improvement works will be carried out on a phased basis, starting with fencing works above the A83 which Transport Scotland plan to award the contract for later this year.

FH also confirmed that significant ground investigation works for the LTS is ongoing. FH noted that as part of these works, daytime diversions of traffic from the A83 onto the OMR are required on occasion and provisional dates have been shared with stakeholders. The works will involve large cranes, ancillary equipment and a large number of personnel to lift specialist drilling equipment on to the hillside.

FH noted that the first of these planned diversions onto the OMR took place on Monday 19 May 2025, and confirmed that this was successful, with the A83 reopening at 6pm that evening, a day earlier than planned.

FH noted that the plans for the proposed medium and long-term schemes are going ahead as promoted by the draft Orders. FH noted there has been ongoing suggestions from some Taskforce members that a previous route, which has been assessed and already rejected, should be reconsidered. FH stated that the preferred route has been decided, and the project will not be taking a step backwards, adding delay to assess an option already ruled out as this takes a significant amount of time and energy away from progressing the project. FH reiterated the purpose of the Taskforce is to look forward and build resilience for the businesses of Argyll and Bute during the construction period.

FH noted that discussions have been held with Martin Reid (MR) of the Road Haulage Association, and that MR has agreed to engage more directly with this sector. FH noted there are a lot of variables in terms of timing for the LTS construction particularly if a public inquiry in relation to the objections is required, but is keen to see more engagement directly with different sectors, and how the A83 Taskforce meetings could be used for planning and resilience for different business sectors during the construction of the LTS.

Jenni Minto MSP (JM) added the importance of communicating keeping Argyll and Bute open for business, and when engaging with different sectors, she and Brendan O’Hara MP would be happy to work with Transport Scotland, Scottish Government and stakeholders to develop roundtable discussions with various business sectors with a focus on considering resilience to businesses during the LTS construction. The aim of the roundtables would be to move discussions on to ensure we are planning properly for when construction work gets underway.

FH welcomed the offer, and confirmed that Transport Scotland engages with local businesses and communities for major road projects all over Scotland, and there are specific needs for this on the A83 for Argyll and Bute.

FH noted that from discussions with MR, there needs to be an appropriate amount of expectation management for hauliers, as well as other stakeholder groups.

Jackie Baillie MSP (JB) noted she is the constituency MSP for the A83 Rest and Be Thankful and would like to be involved in roundtable meetings; however, does not want the roundtable meetings to do the work of the Taskforce.

FH agreed with JB regarding the work of the Taskforce noting that keeping Argyll and Bute open for business is a key aspect to focus on going forwards.

Introduction and Apologies

FH informed the group that Transport Scotland officials and technical advisers will provide updates on work which has been completed since the last Taskforce meeting held in January 2025. This will include updates on the medium and long-term solutions, as well as an update on the current conditions and mitigation on the hillside from BEAR Scotland.

FH reminded attendees that the structure of the Taskforce was being amended for this and future Taskforce meetings. FH will chair the first part of the meeting, which will focus on works at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful and thereafter will hand over to officials at Transport Scotland to lead discussions on the road operation and maintenance on the wider A83 Trunk Road.

FH added that apologies were received and noted these will be included in the minutes.

Actions from previous minutes

FH noted minutes from the previous Taskforce meeting in January have been published and taken as agreed. FH then handed over to Gordon Ramsay (GR) to provide an update on actions from the previous minutes.

Action 28.1) TS to provide update on the open actions from 27th A83 Taskforce Meeting.

GR commented two actions remain open from previous Taskforce meeting. In relation to Action 27.3, we had an open action to investigate potential alternative communications between Transport Scotland and hauliers to ensure road users/hauliers are made aware of any closures during construction of the LTS. GR added that this action has been superseded by the recent meeting between FH and RHA and now falls into the other actions which are ongoing.

In relation to Action 27.5 the speed limit at Cairndow is in accordance with current guidance. A road safety study has been carried out at Cairndow which recommended the provision of electronic Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) to warn A83 road users of vehicles exiting from the Cairndow North junction (War Memorial) side road. BEAR Scotland has completed the design of these signs and is currently awaiting electrical connection from Scottish and Southern Electricity to enable installation of the VAS. BEAR Scotland will continue to press Scottish and Southern Electricity to expedite the matter.

Action 28.2) Transport Scotland to share letter received from Jane MacLeod with Private Office, and Cabinet Secretary to write to the BBC to improve Communications.

GR highlighted that FH had already noted the communication with BBC Scotland earlier in the meeting and confirmed that the action is now closed.

Action 28.3) Transport Scotland Communications Team to liaise with Argyll and Bute Council to discuss communications plan.

GR confirmed that they had a recent meeting with Argyll and Bute Council and exchanged details for both communications leads and will now work together to develop a strategy.GR highlighted that the action is still ongoing.

Action 28.4) Transport Scotland to ensure communications updates are issued regularly in relation to the ongoing ground investigation.

GR confirmed Transport Scotland have issued a press release in relation to the ongoing Ground Investigation (GI) works to inform road users of diversions onto the Old Military Road following the GI contractor’s consultation with stakeholders. This is an ongoing matter, and communications will be regularly updated as the ground investigation works progress.

Action 28.5) Transport Scotland to provide update on planning for ferries being used for haulage.

GR confirmed discussions are ongoing and a meeting was held between RHA and Western Ferries with the Cabinet Secretary on 22 May 2025 to discuss possible options. This action remains open.

Action 28.6) Transport Scotland to share Traffic and Economic Assessment information with the A83 Campaign Group.

GR confirmed the Scheme Assessment Reporting has been shared with the A83 RaBT Campaign Group along with responses to a number of queries on the subject and the action can now be closed.

Action 28.7)BEAR Scotland to provide update on open culvert at RaBT.

GR noted BEAR Scotland is currently designing for the drainage improvement in this area and it will be implemented it when access can be arranged.

Action 28.8) Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland to provide update on the improvements at the Erines pinch point.

GR confirmed Transport Scotland has instructed BEAR Scotland to review previous work to date including the options considered and feasibility information and to prepare a summary document to assist Transport Scotland with defining a delivery programme. An update will be provided when the delivery programme is confirmed.

Action 28.9)Transport Scotland to provide update on road signage, resurfacing works, planned drainage improvements and electronic signage.

GR confirmed BEAR Scotland will provide an update on the A83 / A82 improvement works in the presentation during the second part of this meeting.

Action 28.10)Transport Scotland to review membership wording in the A83 Taskforce Terms of Reference.

GR confirmed that the wording has been amended in the terms of reference document to provide comfort that extended membership is not exhaustive. This action is now closed.

Action 28.11) BEAR Scotland to provide update on vegetation clearance.

GR noted a considerable programme of vegetation cut back was undertaken specifically on the A83 since the previous Taskforce Meeting. This included improved visibility and removal of overhanging trees, the main focus areas being at Lochgilphead, Clachan, Port Ann, Lochgair and Minard. Earlier in the year approximately 745 predominantly Ash trees were removed from the roadside on the A83 as part of the Ash Dieback felling programme. A further 1672 predominantly Ash trees were also removed from the A82 Tarbet to Falls of Falloch in April 2025.

Fiona Hyslop thanked GR for the update and noted some positive developments have been made. FH continued to request updates on the open actions to be made at the next meeting.

John Gurr (JG) noted the action 28.6 to share economic assessment information that was published in December 2024 did not include a quantitative assessment of the impacts on Argyll. JG noted there is a need to understand the economic impacts on the people of Argyll and Bute.

FH responded that she is keen to understand the detail and develop practical solutions as to how these issues will be managed during the construction phase. FH continued to note stakeholders such as the Timber Transport Forum and the Tourism Cooperative can assist in this forward planning and potential mitigation.

Cllr Dougie Philand (DP) asked in relation to Erines pinch point, in Action 28.8 if there have been any works or progress since January 2025.

Tanja Waaser (TW), Special Projects Manager at Transport Scotland, responded that Transport Scotland are reviewing previous reports and studies to identify a route forward and add this into the forward programme.

FH asked that a follow-up be given to DP and FH on the issue.

BEAR Scotland update on current mitigation and current condition of the hillside

FH invited Eddie Ross (ER) from BEAR Scotland to provide an update on the BEAR Scotland works at the Rest and Be Thankful. ER introduced himself and presented slides which included an update on the hillside monitoring at the Rest and Be Thankful, the current 3a-3b fencing works and the works with Forestry and Land Scotland.

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

FH thanked ER for his presentation and invited questions from members.

Lucy Sumsion (LSu) asked in relation to the OMR diversion that was in place over the weekend 24-25 May, noting there was no landslip events, will BEAR take this into consideration when planning for future rain events after dry periods? LSu asked if an assessment could have been undertaken closer to the closures to evaluate if the road could have been opened. LSu noted the economic impacts reported underestimate impacts, and road users are fearful of using the OMR. LSu added that OMR usage has increased hugely in recent years, and suggested the existing mitigation measures are insufficient.

FH noted that the installation of catch-pits is a huge benefit to the road and has prevented further closures of the A83. FH continued to note she met with the UK MET office to discuss future planning and how to mitigate impacts of heavy rainfall events following extensive dry periods.

ER responded that the use of the OMR is a last resort and is not an “easy option,” adding BEAR Scotland are aware of the impacts this has on the travelling public. ER noted that the diversion onto the OMR on the dates noted was due to the extended period of unusually dry weather and there was uncertainty as to how the hillside would perform during the periods of heavy rainfall.

Ged Michell (GM) added BEAR Scotland have a specialist team who attend a daily call to discuss. The specialists warned of the potential impacts on the road, noting this dry spell and this influenced the decision-making process. GM noted that recent landslide events occurred after rainfall following periods of dry weather. GM reiterated that all previous data is considered when making these decisions and safety has to be a priority.

FH noted we can learn from all incidents and that every day matters when the travelling public is diverted onto the OMR.

Matthew Mundell (MM) noted that there is a lot of positive mitigation on the A83 and on the OMR but emphasised there is still a risk of needing to use the long diversion route, which has cost implications to business. MM noted the recent announcement of a resilience fund set up to support impacted businesses on islands and asked if it is feasible to set up a similar fund to support businesses should the long diversion route be required.

FH noted the fund MM referred to was set up to support businesses impacted by a particular set of circumstances, and that this is not usually used for road schemes across Scotland by the Scottish Government. FH reiterated the need for stakeholder involvement to help understand impacts and noted discussions are ongoing to fully understand the impact on road users and possible mitigation.

Update on progress of Medium and Long - Term Solutions

FH invited GR and Rory Gunn (RG) of AtkinsRéalis WSP Joint Venture to provide an update on the ongoing ground investigation work, and the medium and long-term solutions.

GR first noted that an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool appeared to have been present to record the meeting, which has now been removed. GR asked members to refrain from using any AI tools during the meeting. FH requested an update after the meeting and suggested attendance at future meetings may need to be restricted.

GR noted that ground investigation works are ongoing, and this will include upcoming diversions onto the OMR, and an overview of the progress on the statutory process.

RG provided an update on the LTS and MTS including an update on the statutory process timeline, and the ongoing ground investigations.

FH thanked RG for his presentation and asked attendees if they had any questions.

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

General Discussion

JG noted that looking forward, there is a need to have a quantitative assessment of the impacts of using the OMR for an extended period of time, taking into account the construction of the LTS.

FH responded that the offer of round table discussions with different business sectors is to be welcomed, with the aim of understanding specific impacts, and findings from these discussions can then be reported back to the Taskforce at a later date.

JG welcomed this and confirmed the campaign group would be willing to help with that. JG asked when the current fencing works are complete will the A83 will reopen to a two-way traffic.

ER responded that when the 3A-3B fencing work is completed, the ground investigation works will continue on site.

GR added that the ground investigation works are likely to continue on site until autumn. Thereafter BEAR will be doing drainage and improvement works, which are likely to last several months. GR noted if there is an opportunity to do these works in tandem with the ground investigation works to minimise impacts, this will be explored.

JG asked when the road will be fully open, when the works will be finished and when will the benefits of the catch-pits will come to fruition.

GM noted that timelapse cameras are watching the hillside works at all times, and this feeds into forward planning for works. No guarantee can be made that future works will not be required, as this is dependent on how the hillside behaves.

Iain Catterwell (IC) noted that travelling along the OMR over the weekend, which backed up onto the existing A83 and down to the bend near Honeymoon Bridge. IC requested additional signage be added to notify traffic of these queues prior to the bend.

ER responded that additional signage can be added for future diversions onto the OMR.

IC continued to note that his firm has won the tender to fell trees in Glen Croe. Provision of a high-level programme of works would be welcomed and would assist in IC’s planning of works. IC noted traffic lights will be required to support this harvesting operation.

ER responded that BEAR will work with TS to develop a forward-looking plan and this can then be shared with the Argyll Timber Transport Group (TTG) and other stakeholders.

Hugh O’Neill (HO’N) welcomed the proposal to have roundtable meetings and requested Argyll and Bute Council are included in these meetings.

FH responded that Argyll and Bute Council’s attendance would be welcomed and their input will be very beneficial.

Summary and date of next meeting

FH thanked all attendees for their contributions and handed over to Transport Scotland officials to progress to the next part of the meeting. FH added that she will look forward to hearing the updates from the round table meetings. FH left the meeting.

Part 2 – A83 Operation and Road Maintenance

GR thanked FH for her attendance and introduced GM to provide a further update on the ongoing maintenance and operations work on the wider A83 Trunk Road.

BEAR Scotland update on current ongoing road operation and maintenance

GM provided update on the current ongoing road operation and maintenance programme on the wider A83 Trunk Road.

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

GM reiterated to the Taskforce group that questions can be submitted in advance of a Taskforce meeting, and this would allow BEAR Scotland to deal with any issues at the time.

GR welcomed any questions from the group.

Cllr John Armour (JA) was grateful that the footway in Campbeltown has now been completed. JA continued to note that roadside de-vegetation works are welcomed but fallen / damaged / overgrown vegetation is still impacting larger vehicles, and further clearing is required.

GM took an action to investigate this with colleagues and feedback.

LSu welcomed additional roadside de-vegetation. LSu asked in relation to the resurfacing works on the A83 when temporary “uneven road surface” signs are in place for months on end, even up to a year. LSu queried should it be more of a priority to complete these works. LSu also queried about the bus stop at Loch Fyne Oysters planning issues and asked if this can be progressed.

Ian Woodcock (IW) noted in relation to the bus stops, he has discussed with Argyll and Bute Council to develop a working solution, and discussions are ongoing. IW noted that the bus stops are currently temporary bus stops and need to be finalised and made permanent once planning is complete. IW added an active travel scheme is being investigated that may resolve these issues, but this is some time away.

GM responded that in relation to the road surfacing there is a standard process to be followed and will take this away to discuss internally.

MM reiterated JA’s point in relation to roadside vegetation clearance and noted this is causing damage to vehicles. MM noted damages in the last 11 months have amounted to a significant cost, and MM would welcome additional roadside veg-clearance.

GM confirmed that he would take it back to the landscaping team. GR asked whether these areas of concern were reported to the Council or BEAR. MM noted this was reported to the Police. GM reiterated that incidents / concerns should be reported to the previously supplied email address for BEAR.

Douglas Laird (DL) added that the “report a defect” tool should be used on the BEAR Scotland website to report incidents and concerns. This can then be investigated quickly.

DP noted that when travelling south through Ardrishaig towards Campbeltown, residents’ gardens are very close to the A83, and the speed limit changes from 30mph to national speed limit before the last of the residential properties. This has resulted in a number of near misses with home owners. DP noted he requested a speed reduction a number of years ago and nothing was taken forward, and more recently DP requested an update on whether this has been progressed.

IW requested DP provided some further information on the exact location. IW noted he can then progress this with the strategic road safety team, who will be in Argyll and Bute later this year to install 20mph limits in some residential areas.

LSu requested (via teams chat) for an update on when and where these 20mph limits will be installed.

JA reiterated his concerns in relation to Erines pinch point, noting the challenging road geometry, particularly for heavy goods vehicles. JA requested this is progressed as a priority.

GM responded that this was being looked at currently and is being progressed. GM noted an update on this will be delivered to Transport Scotland shortly.

General discussion and AoB

GR thanked all attendees for their comments and noted there are a number of actions to address. GR closed the meeting by noting the invite for the next A83 Taskforce will be circulated closer to the time.

Summary of Actions

Action 29.1) Transport Scotland to provide updates on the open actions from Taskforce 28 at the next Taskforce meeting in September 2025.

Action 29.2) Transport Scotland to provide an update on the planning work to improve Erines pinch point.

Action 29.3) FH requested that an indicative high-level programme is developed for future works and is shared with the Taskforce.

Action 29.4) Additional “traffic queueing ahead” signage to be added on future diversions onto the OMR.

Action 29.5) High level programme of works on A83 to be shared with IC, and Cabinet Secretary to be updated.

Action 29.6) BEAR Scotland to provide an update on roadside de-vegetation works.

Action 29.7) BEAR Scotland to investigate road signage and provide update.

Action 29.8) DP to provide information to IW in relation to speed reductions to the south of Ardrishaig.

Action 29.9) Transport Scotland to provide update on 20mph zones.

Annex A – BEAR Scotland RaBT Presentation Slides

Slide 1

A83 Taskforce

Presentation Overview

Part 1: Rest and Be Thankful

• On-going hillside monitoring
• Lower slope works
• 3a-3b barrier
• Further works
• Communications

Part 3: Wider A83 / A83 works programme

• Works completed since last taskforce meeting
• Works planned in next 4 months

Slide contains photograph of the A83 Trunk Road and Old Military road, taken from the forestry track on the opposite side of the valley.

Slide 2

A83 Taskforce

Hillside Monitoring Regime

Daily management of the route continues behind the schemes to ensure the road is safe for road users.

Daily: 

• Remote weather station monitoring
• Expert weather forecasting
• Ground saturation estimates
• Remote timelapse photography
• Daily decision-making on use of A83 or OMR
• Liaison with Structural Soils Ltd undertaking the Ground Investigation for LTS

2 weekly (depending in weather, more frequently)

• Site team observations on hillside condition and watercourse flows
• Hillside movement surveys and observation

Slide 3

A83 Taskforce

A83 Rest and Be Thankful – Lower Slope Works

• The lower slope erosion in one location has regressed towards the A83.
• Urgency protection works design and undertaken.
• Further permanent works will be required in this location once GI works complete.

Slide contains photograph of slope erosion taking place below the A83.

Slide 4

A83 Taskforce

A83 Rest and Be Thankful – Lower Slope Works

Photograph of soil nail and netting installed to temporarily prevent any further erosion of the lower slope.

Slide 5

A83 Taskforce

A83 Rest and Be Thankful – Debris Fence (3a-3b)

·       Works commenced mid-February

·       Works to be completed 6^th June

Slide contains photograph of debris being installed above the A83 Carriageway.

Slide 6

A83 Taskforce

A83 Rest and Be Thankful – Further Works

• Permanent works Phase 7 lower slope
• Barrier emptying and repair programme

Slide contains photograph showing water flowing down the hillside above the A83, and includes debris fencing and netting. Water cascades into catchpit next to A83.

Slide 7

A83 Taskforce

Forestry and Land Scotland – Tree planting works

• All planting now competed ahead of schedule
• Maintenance continuing

Slide contains plan drawing showing areas of tree planting. Drawing indicates that phases 1, 2, 3 and four are all completed.

Slide 8

A83 Taskforce

Communications

• Cabinet Secretary corresponded with BBC Gary Smith, Head of News and Current Affairs at BBC Scotland
• BEAR met with Chris Cowan, BBC Radio Editor, delivered presentation and reiterate the need to:-
  • Avoid over-reporting of RabTh roadworks
  • Adopt positive messaging regarding A83 OPEN via OMR
  • Accurately convey the A83 status
• BEAR also met with Stuart Smith from Inrix who supply data to sat nav, BBC and STV.

Annex B – AtkinsRealis WSP Joint Venture Presentation Slides

Slide 1

A83 Rest and Be Thankful

Task Force No.29

29 May 2025

Rory Gunn (AWJV)

Slide 2

MTS and LTS Statutory Process

• Draft Road Orders, Compulsory Purchase Orders and Environmental Impact Assessments published for both the MTS and LTS schemes on 13 December 2024
• Objection/Representation period closed 7 February 2025
• Representations, including objections to both the MTS and LTS draft orders received.
• Currently working to seek to resolve the objections if possible.

Slide contains computer generated images of the proposed debris flow shelter. The first image shows an aerial view of the superstructure, and the second image shows what it will look like from the interior.

Slide 3

Ground Investigation

Long Term Solution

• Structural Soils Ltd site works currently ongoing.
• A number of crane lifts, requiring traffic diversion to the OMR have been advertised over the course of the summer in 2025.
• Feedback has been gratefully received and is helping us plan around busy periods associated with events where possible.

Slide contains photograph of crane lifting operation on the A83 carriageway. A number of support vehicles are also present.

Slide 4

LTS Ground Investigation

Road Closures Required May to August 2025

Slide contains two images of crane lifts. First image shows an elevation view of the crane lifting the rotary drilling rig up the hillside. The Image shows that the crane requires to occupy the entirety of the A83 carriageway with it’s outriggers extended. Second image shows a computer generated arial image showing the lifting operations taking place.

Slide 5

Slide contains four photographs of the recent crane lifting operations from different angles.

Slide 6

2025 Look Ahead

Medium Term Solution

• Objection resolution and Public Local Inquiry (PLI) if necessary
• Specimen Design and contract preparation for MTS scheme

Long Term Solution

• Objection resolution and PLI if necessary
• Complete Ground Investigation fieldwork
• Specimen Design

Annex C – BEAR Scotland Wider A83 Presentation Slides

A83 Taskforce

Part 2: Wider A83 / A82 works programme

Slide 1

A83 Taskforce

• Total A83 investment since January Taskforce ~ £1.9m.
  • £3.5m of further A83 investment planned for the next quarter.

• Total A82 (Tyndrum to Balloch) investment since January Taskforce ~ £2.5m.
  • £1.2m of further A82 investment planned for the next quarter.

Slide 2 

Major Works Undertaken Since Previous Meeting

Surfacing Improvements

• A82 North of Garelochhead Junction (Loch Lomond GC)
• A82 South of Firkin Point
• A82 North of Luss
• A82 South of B832 Junction (Loch Lomond GC)
• A83 Ardrishaig
• A83 South of Mausdale

Drainage / Slope Improvements

• A83 Arrochar (Succoth) – Drainage Investigation
• A83 Tayinloan (Dalmore Farm) – Drainage Investigation next week
• A83 Furnace (Auchindrain) – Slope improvements
• A83 Loch Fyne (at Oyster Bar) – Drainage works

Slide 3

A83 Taskforce

Works Undertaken Since Previous Meeting

Bridges / Structures / Seawalls

• A83 Aray Bridge – Stone Invert Replacement
• A83 Taylors Bay (Inverneill) Scour Repairs – Phase 2
• A83 Douglas Water (south of Inveraray)
• A83 Glenburn Invert Repairs (Lochgilphead)
• A83 Fyne Joint Replacement (North of Inveraray)
• A83 North of Inveraray Sea Wall Repairs

Road Signs

• Layby signing and bollard improvements on A82 at Loch Lomondside

Footways

• A83 Millknowe Road Campbeltown

Slide 4

A83 Taskforce

A83 Vegetation Clearance

Slide contains photograph of roadside vegetation following clearance work.

Slide 5

A83 Taskforce

A83 Vegetation Clearance

Slide contains photograph of roadside vegetation following clearance work.

Slide 6

A83 Taskforce

A83 Millknowe Road Campbeltown

Slide contains photograph of newly completed footpath.

Slide 7

A83 Taskforce

A83 Array Bridge

Slide contains photograph of A83 Array Bridge works, including an operative sweeping.

Slide 8

A83 Taskforce

A83 Succoth Drainage Works

Slide contains photograph of newly completed drainage works next to footpath.

Slide 9

A83 Taskforce

A83 Fyne Bridge Joint Replacement

Slide contains photograph of newly constructed A83 Fyne Bridge Joint Replacement works.

Slide 10

A83 Taskforce

A83 South of Mausdale

Photograph showing nighttime road resurfacing works being carried out on the A83 South of Mausdale, including a road roller being operated by an operative.

Slide 11

A83 Taskforce

A83 Auchindrain

Slide contains photograph of newly completed slope improvement works on the A83 at Auchindrain.

Slide 12

A83 Taskforce

Works Planned in Next Quarter

Surfacing Improvements:

• A83 North of Artilligan
• A83 Ardrishaig
• A83 North of Glendarroch (Sth Corran R/abt)
• A83 Corran Roundabout South Approach
• A83 Barfad Brae (CS228_2023)
• A83 Port Ann Phase 2
• A83 North of Inveruglas Embankment

Slide 13

A83 Taskforce

Works planed in next quarter

Drainage / Slope Improvements

• A83 Dalmore Farm, Tayinloan Drainage
• A83 Thornwood Cottage, Furnace Drainage
• A83 Front Street, Inveraray Drainage
• A82 Stoneymollen to Arden Drainage
• A82 Balloch to Tarbet Phase 1 Filter Drain

Road Safety

• A83 Kilmory Roundabout Safety Improvements – Signs
• A83 Minard to Lochgilphead Bend Treatments Ph5
• Argyll & Bute 20mph rollout
• A82 Auch Estate Edge Strip hardening

Slide 14

A83 Taskforce

Thank You and Questions