Ministers in Scotland have confirmed that a solution to the troublesome Rest and Be Thankful stretch of the A83 may not be solved until 2033.

The Herald newspaper reports that, despite a campaign backed by 1,500 businesses which has been pushing for the scheme to fix landslip issues to be delivered by 2024, ministers have confirmed that the timescale for a permanent solution remains at between seven to ten years to complete after being approved.

The report says it has been confirmed that the preferred option is not expected to be approved till the spring of next year.

It quotes Scottish transport minister Jenny Gilruth as telling MSPs that a permanent solution was a “priority” but confirmed that it would take seven to ten years to complete.

“We recognise that the timescales for developing an alternative to the current route and finding a long-term solution to the challenges created by the Rest and Be Thankful section of the A83 are frustrating for the local community,” she said in response for calls for an inquiry. “However, this scheme is technically challenging and the landscape is dynamic so it is vital we understand the terrain we are working in, in order to develop a suitable solution of the correct standard in the correct place.”

The Highlands route has suffered a wave of closures over fears of landslips since the start of October. In 2020 it had to be shut for over 200 days.

Argyll and Bute Council had said it wanted a new replacement route within the life of the current Scottish Parliament.

(Picture – Bear Scotland)