Transport Minister Keith Brown has announced further investment worth £1million on a notorious landslip site on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.

The investment, which forms part of an £72 million package of new transport spending across Scotland, will be used to develop additional contingencies and mitigation work to help deal with future landslips at the Rest.

Mr Brown said: "The Scottish Government is determined to address the impact severe weather has had in recent months on the A83 at the Rest and be Thankful – a lifeline route which serves communities throughout Argyll.

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"That is why we are allocating a significant portion of the extra funding - £1 million - to address the problems created by landslips at the Rest and Be Thankful brought about by severe weather events.

"In addition to the recently commissioned study which is investigating the feasibility of longer term options, today’s funding announcement will be used to extend the length of debris flow netting on the hillside. We are also working closely with Forestry Commission Scotland to explore options for making emergency use of forest roads and using vegetation cover to help reduce the risk of landslips.

"We are acutely aware the effect road closures stemming from landslips impose on local communities and are determined to do everything we can to address those challenges. Today’s extra funding will allow work to progress which will help minimise the effect on the local communities and road users in the area."

The project proposal came as a result of an Argyll & Bute Timber Transport Group initiative. It is a collaboration between Forestry Commission Scotland, Transport Scotland and Argyll & Bute Council.

(GK)