The chair of a community group in Loch Lomand has criticised plans to build an open-sided tunnel along the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.

The design is the chosen solution to years of disruption on the road due to landslips, and the threat of them which often means the road is shut.

However John Urquhart, of the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, has told the Helensburgh Advertiser of his concerns with Transport Scotland’s plans to make what he calls a “concrete box with windows” along the road.

He told the newspaper: “They have opted to follow the existing road line which is to be encased in a concrete avalanche shelter, an ugly and (for the unfortunate travellers), very noisy half mile long concrete box with windows.

“The obvious solution, a graceful viaduct, would allow the 100,000 tonnes of glacial debris still poised high above to flow unhindered, harmlessly forming natural alluvial fans at the foot of the slope.

“How they can say the shelter idea is the best solution escapes me.

“It is developing all the hallmarks of yet another Transport Scotland fiasco.

“The views from the viaduct of the mountains would be stupendous and it would quickly achieve iconic status as one of Scotland’s great travel experiences.

“The Rest and be Thankful is one of our finest mountain passes. It is The National Park’s premier Gateway to Argyll and it deserves much better.”

(Picture – Transport Scotland)