A public consultation event into solutions for the landslide-prone Rest and Be Thankful road was well attended in Lochgilphead on Tuesday.
Designs for a new £470million debris flow shelter at the problem spot on the A83 Tarbet to Campbeltown road were displayed in the Baptist Church.
There was also information on the car park/viewpoint and updates on work to deliver a medium-term solution until the long-term solution is in place.
People attending the events had various points to make about the problem and the solution.
But the main message from most attending was the same – “Just get it done.”
Members of the public were invited to submit their ideas, thoughts and suggestions to Transport Scotland.
Councillor Dougie Philand, of the Lochgilphead ward, has been campaigning for a solution to the landslides for 10 years.
He said: “What are they going to do to make the Military Road more robust during construction?
“In the survey response I asked about the Campbeltown ferry, what will Transport Scotland do to ensure there’s always a route to the central belt open?
“Regarding the shelter, Donald Clark brought this idea up 10 years ago but wasn’t taken seriously. If they started this 10 years ago this would be done.
“In the meantime, it could be another 10 years. I’m pleased so many people have turned out. People are telling me they need to get this done.”
Andy Buntin, chairman of Lochgilphead Community Council, agreed.
He said: “Just get it done and get on with it.
“We also need to focus on other parts of the A83. They could fix this bit and have another nine landslides round the corner.
“That’s why we need to get the Rest done. So that we can free up money to do something about other problem areas on the road.”
Jenni West of Slockavullin said: “There will be two contraflows to get out of the area. The contraflow with the overflow and the one on the Oban road where they did the work.”
She said that landslides were making our remote area even more isolated than it already is, but added: “Just get it done. We use the route every Saturday. The sooner it’s done, the better.”
Some people in attendance said visitors will be put off coming to Mid Argyll until the problem is fixed and work is completed.
Alan Hutchinson of Bellanoch was also looking at the plans. He said: “It’s going to be another three to five years before they even start. I just don’t know why it has taken so long.
“Many years ago, I drove through Germany to Austria. They had many landslide mitigation measures. That was 40 years ago.
“I honestly don’t think this project will get done, because there is no guaranteed funding for it yet.”
The Scottish Government said it is steadfast in delivering a long-term solution.
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