DIVERSION routes remain in place for drivers travelling through Argyll as the clean-up operation at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful continues following the latest landslip.

Assessments of damage to the trunk road caused by a large landslide near the Rest on Tuesday night are continuing today with teams back on site since first light to carry out clear-up of material.

A large boulder, approximately 100 tonnes in size, was exposed in one of the steep channels above the A83 and a helicopter is being used to make the boulder safe by using water bags to manoeuvre it into a safe location.

Overnight around 100 tonnes of further material reached the A83 roadside via the steep channel which had been scoured out by Tuesday evening’s landslip.

READ MORE: Rest and Be Thankful landslip: 'The people of Argyll and Bute deserve better'

BEAR Scotland teams, on behalf of Transport Scotland, are working to clear the debris with dedicated personnel scanning the hillside for safety to check that no further material could impact on operations below.

The A83 and Old Military Road (OMR) remain closed with a standard diversion route in place via the A83, A82, A85 and A819. Western Ferries has also added additional sailings between Gourock and Dunoon to help accommodate motorists.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West representative, said: “We have rigorous geotechnical assessments underway on the site and are continuing investigations into how this area has been impacted by Tuesday’s landslide.

“A helicopter is being used to address a large boulder exposed on the hillside which is in the process of being made safe.

“We have a good weather window today so we’re pressing on as much as we can with the clear-up of the OMR and also to clear more material from the A83 so we can fully assess the extent of the damage.

READ MORE: Argyll 'open for business' as clean-up work begins at Rest and Be Thankful

“This is a challenging process due to the amount of debris exposed and the embankments are being carefully monitored by personnel trained in scanning the hillside to alert for any further movements on the slope which could impact on any operations below.

“All efforts are in place to address the landslip as quickly as possible, however safety is paramount and we cannot open either the OMR or the A83 until we are absolutely satisfied that the routes are safe.

“Argyll remains open for business and we have extra support and patrols on the diversion route to ensure traffic is kept moving, and Western Ferries are continuing to offer additional sailings today to accommodate motorists.

“We thank all road users and the local community for their patience while we do everything we can to address the landslide at the Rest and Be Thankful.”

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