New landslip mitigation measures are to be implemented at the Rest and Be Thankful on the A83, the Scottish Government has announced.

£1.9m is to be invested in the construction of a further catch pit at Glen Croe.

£13.3m has already been invested catch pits and other measures along the A83, which have helped keep the road open for at least 48 days when it would otherwise have closed.

Michael Matheson, the cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, pledged the cash on the day he appeared before MSPs on the Scottish Parliament's public petitions committee to answer questions on the landslip saga.

READ MORE: MSPs quiz transport secretary on A83 landslides saga

He said: “The A83 plays a crucial role for communities and businesses in Argyll. That’s why we’ve invested £79.2m in its maintenance since 2007, including £13.3m in landslip mitigation measures and improvements to the Old Military Road diversion route.

“We have already seen the effectiveness of the catch pit programme and want to build on the existing measures, so work will begin on an additional catch pit at phase one of the hillside.

Following the latest landslip on the road, which forced its closure for two days at the end of January, Argyll and Bute Council leader Aileen Morton said there could be "no more faffing about" in the search for a permanent solution to the problem.

READ MORE: 'No more prevaricating, no more faffing about': council leader demands action now on A83 landslips

Mr Matheson continued: “In the longer term, Argyll and Bute is being prioritised in the second Strategic Transport Projects Review, meaning recommendations for the region can be among the first reported.

"It will consider the transport needs and priorities for the whole area."

Mr Matheson added: “This work underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to continued work with key stakeholders to ensure that Argyll and Bute remains open for business.”

The petitions committee was first told of the need for a long-term solution to the landslip problems on the trunk route in November 2019.

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