SCOTLAND'S transport secretary will be put on the spot on Thursday as MSPs probe the lack of a permanent solution to landslides on the A83 – more than five years after concerns were raised at Holyrood.
Members of the Scottish Parliament's petitions committee will quiz Michael Matheson on actions the Scottish Government has taken to tackle the issue.
The latest landslide saw thousands of tonnes of debris dumped on the road after heavy rain at the end of January, closing the trunk road for two days.
The petition to be considered by MSPs on Thursday was first lodged by Argyll and Bute councillor Douglas Philand in November 2014.
Since then, the road was also closed for nine days in 2018 following landslides, and alarge boulder coming loose also meant the road was closed in early 2016.
The most recent landslips prompted council leader Aileen Morton to demand that there be "no more faffing about", and for a permanent solution to be pursued.
Speaking ahead of Thursday's session, committee convener Johann Lamont MSP said: “This road is an economic and social lifeline to thousands of people who live and work in Argyll and Bute. The disruption caused by any closure is felt keenly.
“With more frequent and heavier rain resulting in more landslides, local people are understandably making their case to the Scottish Parliament to improve the road’s resilience.
“MSPs on the Petitions Committee will have important questions for the Transport Secretary on the actions the Scottish Government has taken, and why there does not appear to be a fully joined up and effective approach being taken.”
West of Scotland MSP and Helensburgh resident Maurice Corry, a member of the committee, said: “It is good the transport secretary is appearing before the committee to answer long overdue questions about the A83.
READ MORE: A83 reopens after first phase of 'catch pits' work is finished
"There have been many discussions over many years regarding solutions for the A83 with no positive outcome.
"I hope this can begin progressive action being taken to reach a solution for this problematic stretch of road that affects so many people on a regular basis.
"Having seen the weather recently, we are all too aware of the effects this can have on commuting.”
The session will be broadcast live online, and will be available on catch-up afterwards, at www.scottishparliament.tv.
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