The upgrade of a 10-mile stretch of the A82 between Tarbert and Inverarnan in Argyll has been identified as the key priority in the campaign to make the trunk link between Inverness and Glasgow safer.

A high level meeting of interested parties this week identified the urgent need to commission a strategic route alignment study at an estimated cost of £200,000.

This upgrade would see the road widened to 6 metres and includes edge strengthening to accommodate heavy goods vehicles/buses.

The meeting at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel on Monday was called and chaired by The Highland Council Leader, Councillor Michael Foxley. Also in attendance were senior representatives of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, Transport Scotland. Argyll & Bute Council and Hitrans .

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Councillor Foxley said: “We had a very good meeting indeed and we have agreed a positive way forward to improve one of the most dangerous roads in Scotland.

“We have identified the tortuous stretch of road between Tarbert and Inverarnan as the priority for action by upgrading the existing line.

“I was delighted that the National Park Authority said they intend to withdraw their objection to the proposed improvements at Pulpit Rock if we take on board the environmental sensitivities involved in the design of the upgrade, including lay-bys, cycle tracks and structures. They are very keen to see an indicative line for them to identify very sensitive areas of shoreline or woodlands.

“Each agency has agreed to contribute funding towards the design contract.”

Councilllor Foxley hopes soon to meet the new Transport Minister about this project.

Councillor Brian Murphy, Vice-Chairman of the TEC Services Committee, said: “The meeting was a very positive one, and reaching agreement on the priority for upgrading this road is an important step forward. Hopefully, we will now see early progress in awarding a design contract.”

(GK)