Welcome extended to all attendees from the Minister for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP

The Minister for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP (FH), welcomed everyone to the meeting and those attending virtually.

FH informed the meeting that she was pleased to attend the 24th meeting of the A83 Taskforce and thanked everyone for their perseverance over the years. FH then referred to the MTS, the Ground Investigation in July 2023 and informed that design work is ongoing and works on the Old Military Road (OMR) will begin by end of this year.

FH asked for everyone present at the meeting to introduce themselves.

Introductions were provided by all.

FH stated that there has been positive engagement through the A83 Taskforce work and that she is keen to build on this and move things forward. FH noted the short notice provided to Taskforce members but gave assurance suitable notice would be provided for future meetings. FH confirmed that it is clear that a solution is needed and that there is a degree of uncertainty by the public which we need to address in order to deliver the Medium Term Solution (MTS) and Long Term Solution (LTS). FH informed the group that the First Minister was in Argyll and Bute at the beginning of the week and provided a firm commitment to the project and hoped that this will give members comfort and reassurance.

FH informed the group that during the meeting they will hear about the progress made. FH highlighted the significant milestone on 2 June 2023 when the preferred route option was announced and that it is her and the Cabinet Secretary’s intention to take this forward. FH confirmed that Transport Scotland is pushing forward with the design and assessment of the preferred option with a view to publishing draft Orders and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report by the end of 2024 for consultation.

FH stated that there would be an opportunity for members to ask questions after each of the presentations.