A RURAL road near Arrochar that was closed at the weekend due to a 500-tonne landslide will reopen.

The Rest and Be Thankful has been closed since the morning of Sunday, September 15 due to hillside concerns after overnight rainfall triggered a huge debris slide. 

BEAR Scotland, operating on behalf of Transport Scotland, have started emptying the catch pit and this will continue over the next few days.

As a safety precaution, traffic was then moved to the diversion route via the Old Military Road and the A83 was immediately closed.

However, following a hillside inspection this morning (September 17), it has been confirmed that traffic moved back onto the A83 from early evening.


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Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland's north west representative, said: “The safety measures on the hillside were very effective in controlling the flow of materials on the hillside, ensuring that debris was channelled safely into the catch pit.

“The landslip was caught early by operatives on the ground, and we were able to take action quickly.

“The use of the diversion through Glen Croe allowed us to promptly divert traffic onto the Old Military Road. Again, this precaution ensured that Argyll remained open for business.

“Our geotechnical engineers will continue to monitor the hillside to ensure the safety of road users.”