Part 2 - A83 Operation and Road Maintenance

SL thanked GR and noted this part of the meeting related to matters on the wider A83. SL provided an update on the previous actions relating to the wider A83 Trunk Road:

SL confirmed that the landscape vegetation cut back undertaken between Tarbet and Campbeltown was completed at the end of March 2026. Since then, BEAR Scotland has completed further landscape cut back on the A83 at Erines, Lochgair, Minard, Ronachan and Clachan. SL confirmed this action can now be closed.

JA noted representation was made to him in relation to this issue, and when verges were being cut this was not being done high enough to avoid impacts to vehicles. JA reported that following the recent work haulage companies are grateful this work has been carried out which had made a big difference and emphasised the importance of continuing this work along the network.

ER confirmed this work will continue to be being prioritised.

SL noted that at the last Taskforce meeting BEAR Scotland’s Roads team were advised of the concerns regarding traffic diverting onto this local road and subsequently liaised with Argyll and Bute Council regards to the provision of additional temporary signing during the planned resurfacing on the A83. SL noted this action can now be closed. JA noted this worked relatively well and there are no further issues now the resurfacing works had been completed.

SL noted a recent meeting with Argyll and Bute Council and there are opportunities for more conjoined working, and a more frequent meeting schedule has been arranged.

ER noted regular meetings are now taking place with JA and Argyll and Bute Council officials and these are very helpful. JA agreed.

SL confirmed that BEAR Scotland met with FLS following the last Taskforce meeting to discuss the programme of tree felling. FLS is currently looking at options for the programming of the tree felling work to fit in with the long-term solution to minimise disruption if possible.

SL confirmed that BEAR Scotland has prepared and issued an Options Review Report and proposed scope for next steps to Transport Scotland. Transport Scotland is now reviewing the options, however no timescales are confirmed.

SL invited ER 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

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

Iain Catterwell (IC) noted in relation to the tree felling works is there any indication of when these works will take place?

ER responded confirming traffic management will be required and that the traffic interface was the basis of these discussions between BEAR Scotland and Forestry and Land Scotland. Information was exchanged but the MTS and LTS works are on the horizon, and FLS suggested it may be beneficial to incorporate these works into the wider schemes, with discussions ongoing.

IC asked if there are any indicative dates for these works? ER responded dates had not been provided, and the action was with FLS to generate a plan for the works. ER noted the aim is to complete the works, minimising impacts to traffic and other works.

LS confirmed she had reviewed the programme of works provided by BEAR and noted her disappointed at the drainage improvements at Cairndow were programmed as “investigations” rather than “works”. ER responded investigations are required to ascertain the volume of works required, and an allocation for future works in this location has been budgeted for.

LS continued to ask about Strone / Loch Shira drainage and the water coming across the road, noting water was on the road during the summer period. ER confirmed work is planned in this location into the next financial year, noting geotechnical and drainage aspects of these works.

LS asked for additional road surfacing at the bridge at the end of Loch Shira. ER confirmed this will be considered.

JB noted she has received an email from the Cabinet Secretary suggesting the 29 October for a meeting at St Andrews House for 35 minutes. JB confirmed she will request to extend this meeting and seek to include members of this meeting and for it to take place in Argyll, but encouraged A83 Campaign Group members to make themselves available.

CMcC emphasised the need to ensure this meeting takes place with the Cabinet Secretary, noting that he needs to meet with the businesses prior to making a decision on the two-way options. CMcC added that they can come to Edinburgh.

JA noted he had been contacted by a stakeholder in relation to a cattle underpass under the A83, and communication with BEAR has been challenging when trying to progress the works.

Iain Woodcock (IW) noted that discussions are ongoing with the landowner and confirmed significant information from the stakeholders’ design team is required before things can be progressed. IW confirmed he will contact the landowner directly to discuss (instead of him contacting ER).

JM noted she has written to Transport Scotland about this but has not yet received a response, and requested that is looked at as a matter of urgency.

LS noted she had been contacted by the aforementioned stakeholder in relation to the cattle underpass, and noted information given to the stakeholder was out of date. SL commented that an action had been taken to discuss this with the stakeholder.

LS continued to raise concerns in relation to the impact on traffic when there is an incident on the A82 traffic is diverted onto the A83. This was raised at a previous Taskforce following a serious collision which resulted in a fatality. A further incident had occurred since and again long delays were experienced at Inverary Arch (A819). LS requested a contingency is put in place, particularly in Inveraray and if resources are available these should be used.

ER responded that this can be revisited, however noted that BEAR’s Incident Response Unit is required to attend the incident and manage that situation. To situate responders elsewhere on the route is challenging, however, this will be addressed on a case by case basis, if resources are available at the Inverary Depot.

SL thanked everyone for their attendance and contributions to the meeting and reiterated that should any issues arise, not to save these until the next meeting, but to contact BEAR Scotland or Transport Scotland officials so matters can be resolved quickly.

GR noted the next meeting will be scheduled for January 2027 and that the minutes for this meeting will be issued in due course.

l be issued in due course.