A road closure on the western shore of Loch Awe caused by a landslide has "devastated" a family-run shop and café for six months - and taken a third of their trade.
The Dalavich Shop, Post Office and Wild Rowan Café are located in the heart of village, where they are a hub for the local community and tourists.
But Caroline and Martin McLaughlin, who run the business, say they have been "devastated" by the closure of the road south of Dalavich at Kilmaha, which provided them with the passing trade which accounted for around 35 per cent of their custom.
The road from Ford has now been closed for six months following the landslides of October 4.
Further to this, road closed signs have been placed at the beginning (Taynuilt) and halfway up (Kilchrenan) the north side of the road, which is open. The signs read ’Road Closed Ahead’ and ’Road Closed at Kilmaha’.
Caroline said: "Most people don’t know where Kilmaha is and just turn back, taking away even more passing trade.
"We have spoken with the workers on site at the closure and they don’t seem optimistic about the road reopening any time soon. There has been no communication with local businesses regarding this despite us reaching out to relevant officials, and no offers of support.
"The council roads department advises that they expect the road to open in late April, but we’ve heard these promises monthly since the disastrous landslide happened. When the road does eventually reopen it will help a lot, but it will take a long time to recover financially from this lengthy period of being cut off."
An Argyll and Bute spokesperson said: “Our primary concern has always been the safety of our workers and the public. The embankment supporting the road washed away near Kilmaha. We worked as quickly as weather, impact and conditions allow. Recovery needed more time than initially expected.
“We have reinforced the embankment with soil nails, installed a lower retaining wall and drilled rock anchors deep into the mid-section. Construction on the lower retaining wall is well under way. Work should be complete by the middle of May, but as always, this does depend on the weather. More information can be found on the website, where we have posted regular updates since October.
“The council did lobby for support for businesses affected in a similar way that they were supported in other areas however, sadly the criteria for funding did not allow for that.”
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