Dave Thompson MSP

SKYE, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson has welcomed a commitment from transport minister Keith Brown to visit a road closed by a landslide to assess the situation for himself, should he be invited by The Highland Council.

Mr Brown made the commitment after he was lobbied by Mr Thompson to investigate what assistance the Scottish Government or its transport agency could offer The Highland Council in dealing with the risk of future landslips around the A890 Lochcarron to Kyle road.

This has been closed by The Highland Council since a landslide on December 22 and motorists have been diverted via an emergency ferry service across the Strome Narrows.

Mr Thompson wrote to the minister in January to ask what help the Scottish Government or Transport Scotland could offer The Highland Council, whose responsibility this road is.

Mr Brown replied to say he had written to Highland Council Convener Sandy Park to tell him that he would welcome the opportunity to visit the site and see for himself the scale of the problem facing the local authority.

The minister also noted that Transport Scotland officials had maintained continuous dialogue with local authority and HiTrans staff as they strove to offer alternative travel arrangements to users of the road, notably an enhanced train service and the reintroduction of the Strome Ferry.

Mr Thompson welcomed the close involvement of the minister and his officials in helping The Highland Council to deal with the road blockage.

“I am pleased that, although maintenance of this road is the responsibility of the local authority, the Scottish Government minister has been quick to offer help to The Highland Council to help them deal with this unexpected problem,” he said.

“Keith’s offer to visit the site to see the scale of the challenge for himself, should the council convener decide to invite him, demonstrates just how seriously he is treating this situation.

“Work on stabilising the hillside has not progressed as rapidly as had been hoped so I think that the council would be wise to take up the minister’s suggestion of a visit to the site.

The road is now expected to reopen on Monday February 27.