Campaigners calling for a ‘high road’ route for a key trunk road beside Loch Lomond say they got a ‘sympathetic hearing’ at Holyrood.
The notorious stretch of the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan is due to be upgraded by Transport Scotland, with an option following the current route being favoured.
But a petition calling for an alternative route, further above the lochside, to be considered was heard recently by the Scottish Parliament’s citizen participation and public petitions committee.
Signed by 526 people, the petition was drawn up by Helensburgh and District Access Trust and The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs.
Afterwards Dumbarton constituency MSP Jackie Baillie said: “This section of the A82 is in need of an upgrade. However Transport Scotland should consider all options for the road and conduct a full appraisal process.
“I thank the Helensburgh and District Access Trust and The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs for bringing forward this petition and understand the frustrations of local road users as this rumbles on.
“I am pleased that the petitions committee have engaged positively with the issue.
“The alternative ‘high road’ route is a sensible and environmentally sound option, which can enhance tourism in the national park.
“I hope that, following this committee session, the Scottish Government will now engage further with the Helensburgh and District Access Trust and The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs to work towards the option which is backed by the local community and local businesses.”
The groups say their ‘high road’ solution would haver several advantages:
- Rare and fragile oak woods and shoreline preserved, allowing wildlife and people to reconnect with the loch shore;
- The currant road could continue to carry traffic during the construction period and afterwards would be available as a walking and cycling route
- It would also continue to be available for access to property and for occasional use as a diversion when necessary
- The Three Lochs Way Great Walking Trail could be linked to the West Highland Way at Inverarnan
- Tarbet and Ardlui would be by-passed by heavy traffic, improving quality of life for residents and alleviating road safety issues at Arrochar Primary School
- The higher, straighter route would be faster and safer than any lochside route could ever be
- Visitor management pressures would be addressed along the whole length of the old road and in the congested Tarbet Bay area
- And the new road would give stunning views of Loch Lomond.
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