Tunnels, or a solution finished in two years? Politicians react to Rest options

National politicians have given a mixed response to the announcement of 11 potential replacement routes for the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.

MP Brendan O’Hara said he was ‘very disappointed’ that a tunnel was not included, while Jackie Baillie urged residents to take part in the consultation.

Conservatives said that £80m had been ‘wasted on failed fixes’, while a Green MSP said that rail solutions should also be included.

Mr O’Hara, the SNP MP for Argyll and Bute, said: “I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in this consultation as possible.

“We need to make sure that the voice of those who live and work here, and who will be most affected by this decision must heard.

“As many local people will know, I have been a strong advocate for a tunnel for several years now having seen how the network of very basic tunnels keep the Faroe Islands connected whatever the weather.

“I was very disappointed therefore to see that a tunnel is not on the list of 11 options being looked at by Transport Scotland as a permanent fix; I am sure that this long-term solution would be favoured by many people who want to ensure that the main artery through Argyll is accessible all year round.

“Whatever option is chosen, we have to make sure it is the best option for the people of Argyll and Bute and that means letting Transport Scotland know what we think. Please take part in this consultation. “

Jackie Baillie, Labour MSP for Dumbarton, welcomed the consultation and encouraged residents and businesses to take part.

“It’s essential that Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government take on board the views of the local community to ensure that a route which best meets the needs of local road users is chosen,” she said.

“The problems on the A83 have been hugely disruptive to the lives of local people as well as having a negative effect on the local economy.

“It is vital that an appropriate route is chosen in order to avoid further frustration and disruption for the surrounding community.”

Conservative regional MSPs have called on the Scottish Government to ensure that a permanent solution for the Rest and Be Thankful is fully operational within two years to sustain jobs and livelihoods in the region.

Maurice Corry and Donald Cameron said that almost £80m had been spent on temporary repairs on the road which had ultimately failed to fix the issues.

Mr Cameron said: “Ever since I was elected, the constant issues surrounding the Rest and Be Thankful is a subject I have brought up time and time again with successive SNP transport ministers.

“Finally, it appears they are listening to concerns and driving forward some concrete options for local people to consider.

“With over £80m wasted on failed fixes, the preferred route option that is chosen, simply must deliver a permanent solution that makes the Rest and Be Thankful fit for purpose once and for all.”

Mr Corry added: “The Rest and Be Thankful is an iconic route, but all too often recently that has been for the wrong reasons.

“The need for a permanent solution on this route has never been more urgent and at least now we have a variety of options to fully consider. 

“The region’s jobs and livelihoods depend on this route being open and functional and all too often that hasn’t been the case with constant closures and major diversions.”

Scottish Greens transport spokesperson and Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie called on Transport Secretary Michael Matheson to consider a rail and road solution to the saga.

He said: “Events at the Rest and Be Thankful illustrate the devastating impact the climate emergency is having and will continue to have on Scotland’s infrastructure.

“Some excellent work has already been done by Cowal Fixed Link Working Group on a rail and road option, not only to solve the Rest and Be Thankful problems but also to facilitate necessary regeneration in the Cowal Peninsula.

“The Scottish Government must accept that connectivity doesn’t always require a roads-only solution and give urgent consideration to delivering future proofed infrastructure investment to my constituents in Argyll.

“I note that the Cab Sec states this option hasn’t been considered, sadly, that suggests more of a focus on roads only. I’ll continue to press for wider considerations.”