BAD weather has forced roads bosses to close a rural route near Arrochar as a precaution this weekend in case of landslips.

The Old Military Road will be open from 7pm on Friday, October 4 to divert traffic from the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.

The trunk road has been been open under convoy but with further bad weather forecast, a full diversion will be in place for the weekend.

A decision on returning vehicles to the main route will be made on Monday.

Sustained rainfall first caused problems on the troubled road from Sunday, September 15 with diversions necessary in recent weeks.

Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland's north west representative, said: “The safety of road users is the priority for BEAR Scotland and we closely monitor conditions at the Rest and Be Thankful on a daily basis.

“This weekend’s forecast for rain will significantly increase saturation levels on the hillside, therefore we've decided to open the Old Military Road as a proactive safety measure.

"This will allow us to closely monitor the area which caused a 500-tonne landslip back in September, checking how it copes with the first persistent rain since the event.

"The use of this route maintains access to the A83 corridor for the travelling public, keeping Argyll very much open for business with minimal delays of around 20 minutes.

“Subject to the weather improving, we plan to inspect the hillside thoroughly on Monday, October 7 and this will inform a decision to return traffic to the A83.”

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland A83 Rest and Be Thankful and X @trafficscotland. Ferry options are also available, check www.western-ferries.co.uk.