The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the progress being made the ongoing improvement works at the Rest and Be Thankful.

The Minister visited the site to see first-hand the upgraded section of the diversionary route for the A83 – as the first phase of the medium term works near completion.

The visit took place after the Cabinet Secretary chaired the latest meeting of the A83 Taskforce in Arrochar.

The members of the Taskforce, which includes local elected representatives, representatives of Argyll and Bute Council, community councils and business organisations, were updated on progress in delivering the medium-term solution along the existing Old Military Road and the ongoing design work for a permanent, long-term solution to the challenges at the Rest and Be Thankful.

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Ms Hyslop said: "The Scottish Government remains committed to delivering a long-term solution to the landslip risks at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.

"I welcomed the opportunity to visit the A83 and see first-hand the challenges at the Rest and Be Thankful and the work going on to upgrade the temporary diversion at the Old Military Road. The first phase of the work to realign its southern end is nearing completion and in advance of the next phase of the work starting later this year, the ground investigations, which will get underway shortly, will help determine the conditions of the terrain.

"The planned improvements will increase the resilience and operation of the temporary diversion route by reducing the likelihood of landslides impacting the route. This will mean more certainty for locals and road users if the A83 has to shut due to adverse weather conditions.

"At the same time, we are taking forward at pace the detailed development and assessment of the preferred route option for the long-term solution, with a view to publishing draft Orders by the end of this year.

"All of this underlines the Scottish Government's commitment to work with key stakeholders and local communities to ensure that Argyll & Bute remains open for business."