Landslip closes A83 road at the Rest and Be Thankful

A landslip has forced the closure of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.

More than 1000 tonnes of material tumbled onto the road overnight and left the area covered by debris fences and catchpits.

BEAR Scotland said its staff are on site assessing the situation on the A83 and will begin clearing the debris when it is safe to do so.

A diversion route has been put in place along the Old Military Road.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s north west manager, said: “Safety is our top priority and we’re doing all we can to assess the slope and the extent of the debris from the steep hillside above the carriageway.

“The landslide is east of the normal landslide susceptible area but is within the section of the A83 that we could use the Old Military Road.

“As ever, we thank the local community and road users for their patience, and assure them we’re doing everything we can to address the landslip at the Rest and Be Thankful as quickly and safely as we can.

“We remind road users that Argyll remains open for business and rest assured we’re doing everything possible to ensure the A83 opens as soon as it is safe to do so.”

STV meteorologist Sean Batty said “quick-melting snow” had led to the landslip.

He added “Enhanced rainfall over Beinn Luibhean (probably about 60-70mm in the last 24 hours) along with big hike in freezing level, leading to quick melting of snow on the mountain, has likely been a big contributing factor for this.”

Road users have been advised to check Traffic Scotland for the latest information.