The roads in Scotland are in general of a high standard with a few exceptions here and there. One of these exceptions is the A83 from Tarbet to Campeltown which happens to be the main artery for Argyll as well as for Islay. When the A83 is closed between Tarbet and Kennacraig due to accidents or other problems, Islay's visitors and businesses suffer directly. A few years ago some parts of the A83 were in a very sorry state and some stretches saw a new surface making things somewhat better. This was and is not enough. The road still has some very dangerous spots as well as places such as Rest and be Thankful which are vulnerable for landslips and subsequent closures, the last one was only a few days ago. Especially now in these economic difficult times it is all the more important that businesses can rely on a solid infrastructure such as reliable ferries and good roads.

The implementation of Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) will benefit the tourist sector and other businesses on Islay that make use of the ferry. It will also bring more visitors over the A83 making it therefore even more important to have a safe road. Today I received an email from Dougie Philand, he is one of the people behind a new campaign to address the many road issues, and asked for my help, which I'm more than happy to provide. Dougie Philand wrote: Continue reading....

"The time has come to work together in a positive and constructive manner for the benefit of the Argyll and Bute Community. We have received many representations from members of the public, community councils and businesses regarding the various problems associated with this route. These range from the current unacceptable situation at the Rest and be Thankful, to the pinch points which exist at Inveraray, and between Lochgilphead and Tarbert, also the lack of a crossing point at Tarbert and finally the issue of trunking the road between Kennacraig and Campbeltown. We want everyone in Argyll and Bute to show their support and sign the petition."

Since I'm not able to go door to door with petitions to ask for your support I'd thought the least I can do is to write about it here on my blog and to include the petition which you can download and return by post or email to Dougie Philand. Alternatively you can e-mail Dougie direct stating your email subject heading either BUSINESS A83 SUPPORT or INDIVIDUAL A83 SUPPORT, that would be another way of gaining support for the campaign. the e-mail address is dougie.philand@argyll-bute.gov.uk

The template to use for the petition can be downloaded here

Tag: a83 transport business argyll