A82 Petition Gets Sympathetic Hearing at Holyrood

Picture: Pulpit Rock

MSP Jackie Baillie spoke in support of two local community bodies on Wednesday 21st December when members of The Scottish Parliament’s Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee considered the 526 signature petition raised by Helensburgh and District Access trust and The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs in support of a “High Road” solution to the problem of selecting the optimum route for Transport Scotland’s planned, but long delayed upgrade of the troubled and tortuous A82 road between Tarbet and Inverarnan on Loch Lomondside.

The petition called on the Scottish Parliament,

“.. to urge the Scottish Government to reconsider the process for selecting the preferred option for the planned upgrade of the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan and replace the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) based assessment with the more comprehensive Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance.”

Ms Baillie said Loch Lomond was at the heart of the National Park and one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland.

Referring to the many parallels with the situation at the Pass of Kiliecrankie (where the A9 was upgraded in 1980), she pointed out that a High Road solution offered the following advantages:

• Rare and fragile Oak woods and shoreline preserved, allowing wildlife and people to reconnect with the loch shore;

• Old road could continue to carry traffic during the construction period and afterwards would be available as a walking and cycling route;

• The existing road would continue to be available for access to property and for occasional use as a diversion when necessary;

• The Three Lochs Way Great Walking Trail could be linked to the West Highland Way at Inverarnan;

• Tarbet and Ardlui would be by-passed by heavy traffic, improving quality of life for residents and alleviating road safety issues at Arrochar Primary School;

• The higher, straighter route would be faster and safer than any loch side route could ever be;

• Visitor management pressures alleviated along whole length of old road and in the congested Tarbet Bay area;

• The new road would give stunning views of Loch Lomond.

Unanimously agreeing that the petition had merit, the Committee issued instructions for letters to be written to Transport Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, and the Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, inviting them to appear to respond to the petition.

Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton constituency MSP, said: “This section of the A82 is in need of an upgrade. However Transport Scotland should consider all options for the road and conduct a full appraisal process.

“I thank the Helensburgh and District Access Trust and The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs for bringing forward this petition and understand the frustrations of local road users as this rumbles on.

“I am pleased that the petitions committee have engaged positively with the issue.

“The alternative ‘high road’ route is a sensible and environmentally sound option, which can enhance tourism in the National Park.

“I hope that, following this committee session, the Scottish Government will now engage further with the Helensburgh and District Access Trust and The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs to work towards the option which is backed by the local community and local businesses.”