Rest and Be Thankful closed to remove 'dangerous' boulder from side of road

Drivers using the troubled Rest and Be Thankful are facing closure on the road while a “dangerous” boulder is removed.

BEAR Scotland are carrying out removal works on the A83 from Monday, hoping to begin shifting the boulder at first light on Tuesday.

Traffic using the A83 on Monday is being diverted onto the Old Military Road, adding approximately 20 minutes to journey times.

The “complex” works will require the road between the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint carpark and west of Ardgarten to be fully closed from 6am on Tuesday.

Use of the Old Military Road will also not be possible, with traffic diverted onto a long diversion route via the A83, A82, A85 and A819.

When it is removed, a hillside inspection on Wednesday morning will decide whether or not to return traffic to the Old Military Road or A83 trunk road.

Euan Scott, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said: “We regret the inconvenience these works will cause.

“We do appreciate the impact use of the long diversion has on businesses, public transport and local people and it is always the last resort.

“Unfortunately, the complexity of these works means that traffic will need to be diverted onto the long diversion route.

“However, the works are required to ensure the ongoing safety of road users and cannot be delayed through the winter period.

“Every effort will be made to complete the works and reopen the road as quickly as possible.”