Major road connecting Argyll communities partially reopens after two months following landslide

A road in Argyll and Bute has partially reopened after being shut for two months due to a major landslide.

The A816, connecting Ardfern and Lochgilphead, has been closed since October 7 when 6,000 tonnes of debris fell onto the road after record-breaking rainfall.

Locals in the community have been faced with two-and-a-half hour detours and have been cut off since the closure.

Amber Crowley and her family were the first to use the road, and told STV News: “We were slightly worried it would be a really long wait. We thought everybody might be heading for the 1pm opening but we were first in the queue.

“We waited for about a minute and a half and then we were let through. It only takes a couple of minutes to get through, so it was easy-peasy.”

The road will run in a convoy system and has additional drainage systems in place.

Now there is a passable route, locals are celebrating with a party at the village hall.

Sarah Whittle, manager of Craignish Village Hall said: “We have got a big party planned tonight. It’s very exciting. I asked the community what music they’d like and we managed to put together four and a half hours of music all about roads, rain, driving and reunions.”

She added: “The road being closed has had such a significant impact.

“Now it’s open again, for example the primary school children and the staff have been separated this whole time, can get them to get back to school together.

“The posties and delivery drivers won’t have to do a huge detour every day. We’re incredibly grateful for them.”