Hauliers are calling for an alternative to the proposed four-year closure of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful, warning that relying on the Old Military Road (OMR) and a traffic-light-controlled convoy system would cause major disruption to businesses and communities across Argyll and Bute.
Speaking to MT sister publication Transport News, operators said the proposals would increase journey times and operating costs, while putting the region’s transport links at risk if the OMR itself became blocked.
Alternatives include upgrading the parallel Forestry Road to create two separate routes – one for northbound and one for southbound traffic – or widening the existing OMR to accommodate two-way traffic.
Transport Scotland reiterated its commitment to delivering a permanent solution to landslip risks at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful. Scottish ministers are expected to decide on the way forward for medium-term improvements following further consultation.
John Gurr, chairman of the Rest and Be Thankful Campaign Group, said hauliers were extremely concerned and wanted an opportunity to present their case directly to Transport Scotland, which is understood to be recommending that its original strategy proceeds substantially unchanged.
“Our campaign has always had a simple objective: a reliable two-way A83 that can remain open when heavy rainfall creates an increased risk of landslides,” he said.
“We would like to put our case directly, including the concerns of the 1,500 businesses we represent and the evidence we have gathered on the economic and practical consequences of the current proposals.”
Calum McCrae, managing director of Cairndow-based quarrying, ready-mixed concrete and contracting business A&L McCrae, said a convoy system on the OMR would result in delays far exceeding the 25 minutes in each direction estimated by Transport Scotland.
“Real-world experience tells us this could, and will, be far longer, and it would be prone to closure should there be an accident or if the road is blocked,” he said.
An alternative diversion via the so-called Loch Road would take traffic from Tarbet along the A82 and A85 towards Dalmally, before heading south on the A819. However, this would add 49 miles to the journey, increasing fuel consumption, operating costs and journey times.
McCrae said the A819 was also too narrow in places for two trucks to pass, raising concerns about its suitability for sustained HGV traffic over an extended period.
Matthew Mundell, general manager of B Mundell, which operates from sites on Islay, Glasgow and Tarbert, said the company typically makes around 100 journeys a week through the Rest and Be Thankful.
“A four-year closure would be a huge disruption for us,” he said. “Freight volumes would be drastically affected, and costs would increase for our customers because of the additional miles travelled, particularly with the longer diversion routes.
“The wider community would also see major impacts, including delayed deliveries, increased costs for essentials and challenges for local businesses relying on timely transport.”
Mundell said a phased or partial closure allowing HGVs to travel would be essential if a full closure could not be avoided.
“Our trucks were delayed by between 25 and 45 minutes when the previous convoy system was in place, on top of what is already a three-hour journey from Glasgow.
“Many of our customers rely on a just-in-time delivery schedule, so additional delays on the A83 could mean missing pre-booked ferry slots, potentially halting production at customer sites. If we miss the ferry, we are charged a no-show fee by CalMac for the full amount,” he said.
Peter McKerral, director of Campbeltown-based Peter McKerral & Co, which transports timber, milk, livestock, farm feeds and general haulage along the A83, said the proposals would cause significant delays. He favoured a system allowing traffic to flow continuously in both directions.
“To put a convoy system in place for four years on a diversion that’s not fit for purpose would be a disaster,” he said.
“We can have up to 30 trucks going through every day. There are also a lot of heavy loads that travel through the Rest and Be Thankful, and they would struggle on the OMR.”
George McNaughton, director of Lochgilphead-based civil engineering company George McNaughton & Son, said the firm had several projects under way beyond the Rest and Be Thankful, requiring its vehicles to make around 100 journeys a week along the A83.
He warned that relying solely on the OMR would leave the route vulnerable to further disruption.
“If there is a landslide when the major engineering work is being carried out, my fear is that it would cover the OMR and everything would be blocked,” he said.
“I think they could upgrade the Forestry Road to allow traffic up the hill and use the OMR for traffic coming down the hill. If there is a landslide, then the Forestry Road would still be accessible.”
The next A83 Taskforce meeting is scheduled for January 2027. However, Transport Scotland said Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn would meet members of the campaign group later this month before deciding on a medium-term solution.
