A83 road - Revision history

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← Previous revision		Revision as of 22:15, 12 October 2025
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	The stretch south of the ''Rest and Be Thankful'' junction has been closed on a number of occasions due to [[landslide]]s, causing significant disruption to local traffic. The closure results in a 59-mile (93 km) diversion via [[Crianlarich]] when the military road is also affected.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-53867646\|title=Road workers abused over 59 mile diversion\|date=21 August 2020\|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> The many communities affected by the closures of the trunk road are campaigning for a permanent solution to be constructed by [[Transport Scotland]]. Suggestions include a [[rock shed]], so future slips flow over the trunk road, and a new road route.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/news/2020/mar/council-leader-calls-again-permanent-solution-a83\|title=Council Leader calls again for a permanent solution for A83\|first=Argyll and Bute\|last=Council\|date=5 March 2020\|website=Argyll and Bute Council}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://thelochsidepress.com/2020/08/11/rest-and-be-thankful-cross-party-calls-for-work-on-permanent-solution-to-start-next-year/\|title=Rest and Be Thankful: Cross-party calls for work on permanent solution to start next year\|date=11 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/projects/a83-improvements/a83-rest-and-be-thankful/rest-and-be-thankful/\|title=Transport Scotland \| Rest and Be Thankful\|website=www.transport.gov.scot}}</ref>		The stretch south of the ''Rest and Be Thankful'' junction has been closed on a number of occasions due to [[landslide]]s, causing significant disruption to local traffic. The closure results in a 59-mile (93 km) diversion via [[Crianlarich]] when the military road is also affected.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-53867646\|title=Road workers abused over 59 mile diversion\|date=21 August 2020\|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> The many communities affected by the closures of the trunk road are campaigning for a permanent solution to be constructed by [[Transport Scotland]]. Suggestions include a [[rock shed]], so future slips flow over the trunk road, and a new road route.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/news/2020/mar/council-leader-calls-again-permanent-solution-a83\|title=Council Leader calls again for a permanent solution for A83\|first=Argyll and Bute\|last=Council\|date=5 March 2020\|website=Argyll and Bute Council}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://thelochsidepress.com/2020/08/11/rest-and-be-thankful-cross-party-calls-for-work-on-permanent-solution-to-start-next-year/\|title=Rest and Be Thankful: Cross-party calls for work on permanent solution to start next year\|date=11 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/projects/a83-improvements/a83-rest-and-be-thankful/rest-and-be-thankful/\|title=Transport Scotland \| Rest and Be Thankful\|website=www.transport.gov.scot}}</ref>

	[[Transport Scotland]] has, in recent years, spent £80M on landslip prevention schemes, none of which has improved the situation on the trunk road.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18632080.80m-wasted-multiple-failed-fixes-iconic-a83-rest-thankful/\|title=It's the pits: £80m taxpayers' money 'wasted' over multiple failed fixes to iconic Scots road\|website=HeraldScotland}}</ref> The many wire slip capture nets and supporting cables have failed on many occasions and some have criticised these, saying they blight the picturesque area.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://trl.co.uk/sites/default/files/PPR743%20-An%20Extended%20and%20Updated%20Technical%20Evaluation%20of%20Wig-Wag%20Signs%20at%20the%20A83%20Rest%20and%20be%20Thankful.pdf\|title=REPORT PPR743}}</ref>		[[Transport Scotland]] has, in recent years, spent £80M on landslip prevention schemes, none of which has improved the situation on the trunk road.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18632080.80m-wasted-multiple-failed-fixes-iconic-a83-rest-thankful/\|title=It's the pits: £80m taxpayers' money 'wasted' over multiple failed fixes to iconic Scots road\|website=HeraldScotland \|date=6 August 2020 }}</ref> The many wire slip capture nets and supporting cables have failed on many occasions and some have criticised these, saying they blight the picturesque area.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://trl.co.uk/sites/default/files/PPR743%20-An%20Extended%20and%20Updated%20Technical%20Evaluation%20of%20Wig-Wag%20Signs%20at%20the%20A83%20Rest%20and%20be%20Thankful.pdf\|title=REPORT PPR743}}</ref>

	* The trunk road was closed here due to a 400-tonne landslide on 28 October 2007.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7077796.stm \|title='Flatout' efforts to reopen A83 \|work=[[BBC News]] \|date=5 November 2007}}</ref> The road was partially reopened on Monday 10 November.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://blog.islayinfo.com/article.php/a83_rest_and_be_thankful_closure \|website=Islay Weblog \|title=A83 Rest and be Thankful Open - Single Lane only \|date=9 November 2007}}</ref>		* The trunk road was closed here due to a 400-tonne landslide on 28 October 2007.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7077796.stm \|title='Flatout' efforts to reopen A83 \|work=[[BBC News]] \|date=5 November 2007}}</ref> The road was partially reopened on Monday 10 November.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://blog.islayinfo.com/article.php/a83_rest_and_be_thankful_closure \|website=Islay Weblog \|title=A83 Rest and be Thankful Open - Single Lane only \|date=9 November 2007}}</ref>

imported>Archon 2488: /* Rest and Be Thankful closures */ minor stylistic adjustments

2025-05-08T14:50:10Z

Rest and Be Thankful closures: minor stylistic adjustments

New page

{{Short description|Road in Scotland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2012}}
{{Infobox road
| country = GBR
| type = A
| route = 83
| map = [[File:A83 road map.png|200px]]
| map_custom = yes
| length_mi = 98.3
| length_ref = <ref>{{cite web|title=Driving directions to Longrow S/A83|url=https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=A83&daddr=55.8693696,-5.4118833+to:Longrow+S%2FA83&hl=en&ll=55.841398,-5.344849&spn=0.866707,2.510376&sll=55.841784,-5.353432&sspn=0.108336,0.313797&geocode=FdyXWQMdmh24_w%3BFbl_VAMd1Wut_ykfVuvULY-JSDFPVkuCSVAqMA%3BFS21TQMd73eq_w&t=h&mra=dpe&mrsp=1&sz=12&via=1&z=9|publisher=Google Maps|access-date=23 September 2013}}</ref>
| direction_a = Northeast
| terminus_a = [[Tarbet, Argyll and Bute|Tarbet]] ({{gbmappingsmall|NN319044}})
| direction_b = Southwest
| terminus_b = [[Campbeltown]] ({{gbmappingsmall|NR720204}})
| junction = {{jct|country=GBR|A|82|name1= }} ({{gbmappingsmall|NN319044}})<br /> {{jct|country=GBR|A|814|name1= }} ({{gbmappingsmall|NN297043}}) <br />{{jct|country=GBR|A|815|name1= }} ({{gbmappingsmall|NN190099}})<br />{{jct|country=GBR|A|816|name1= }} ({{gbmappingsmall|NR856880}})<br />{{jct|country=GBR|A|819|name1= }} ({{gbmappingsmall|NN095086}})
| destinations = [[Glasgow]], [[Inveraray]], [[Lochgilphead]], [[Campbeltown]]
| previous_type = A
| previous_route = 82
| next_type = A
| next_route = 84
}}

The '''A83''' is a major road in the south of [[Argyll and Bute]], [[Scotland]], running from [[Tarbet, Argyll|Tarbet]], on the western shore of [[Loch Lomond]], where it splits from the [[A82 road|A82]], to [[Campbeltown]] at the southern end of the [[Kintyre]] peninsula. The road is best known for its section across the '''Rest and be Thankful pass''' through the [[Arrochar Alps]] between the heads of [[Loch Long]] and [[Loch Fyne]].

==Route==
[[File:Atheadoflochfyne1357.jpg|thumb|left|View south along the A83 road over [[Loch Fyne]]]]

From Tarbet the A83 runs west across the [[Drainage divide|watershed]] between Loch Lomond and Loch Long to [[Arrochar, Scotland|Arrochar]] near the head of Loch Long. It then goes round the head of the loch, and along the western shore for a short distance, before turning northwest through the Rest and be Thankful mountain pass through [[Glen Croe]] in the Arrochar Alps, from the shore of Loch Long to that of Loch Fyne. It was near this spot that an RAF Tornado crashed on 2 July 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8130528.stm|title=Two killed in RAF Tornado crash|date=2 July 2009|via=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

The words ''REST & BE THANKFUL'' are inscribed on a stone near the junction of the A83 and the B828, placed there by soldiers who built the original military road in 1753, now referred to as the ''Drovers' Road''. The original stone fell into ruin and was replaced by a commemorative stone at the same site.

The section is so named as the climb out of [[Glen Croe]] is so long and steep at the end that it was customary for travellers to rest at the top, and be thankful for having reached the highest point. The current road no longer keeps to the floor of Glen Croe but steadily climbs across the southern slopes of [[Beinn Luibhean]], on the north side of the Glen, to the highest point of the pass. The westward descent to [[Loch Fyne]] is through [[Glen Kinglas]]. At [[Cairndow]] the A815, the main road down the [[Cowal]] peninsula, branches off south to [[Dunoon]] and finally [[Toward]] at the A815 road end, both on the [[Firth of Clyde]].

On reaching the shore of Loch Fyne, the A83 follows the eastern shore of the loch northwards to its head and then goes south west along the western shore through [[Inveraray]] and then on to [[Lochgilphead]] and [[Ardrishaig]], where it crosses the entrance to the [[Crinan Canal]].

From Ardrishaig the road continues south to [[Tarbert, Kintyre|Tarbert]], where it crosses over to the western shore of the [[Kintyre]] peninsula. In the final section it passes through the villages of [[Whitehouse, Argyll|Whitehouse]], [[Clachan, Kintyre|Clachan]], [[Tayinloan]], [[Muasdale]] and [[Bellochantuy]] before finally crossing back to the east of the peninsula, on the [[Firth of Clyde]] coast, as it approaches [[Campbeltown]].

<gallery widths=180>
Image:A83,_Glen_Croe,_Rest_&_Be_Thankful_RLH.jpg|[[Glen Croe]] viewed from ''Rest and be thankful'' viewpoint
Image:Glen Croe, viewed from Rest and Be Thankful (RLH) 2006-11-18.JPG|Glen Croe, 18 November 2006
</gallery>

==Rest and Be Thankful closures==
The stretch south of the ''Rest and Be Thankful'' junction has been closed on a number of occasions due to [[landslide]]s, causing significant disruption to local traffic. The closure results in a 59-mile (93 km) diversion via [[Crianlarich]] when the military road is also affected.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-53867646|title=Road workers abused over 59 mile diversion|date=21 August 2020|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> The many communities affected by the closures of the trunk road are campaigning for a permanent solution to be constructed by [[Transport Scotland]]. Suggestions include a [[rock shed]], so future slips flow over the trunk road, and a new road route.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/news/2020/mar/council-leader-calls-again-permanent-solution-a83|title=Council Leader calls again for a permanent solution for A83|first=Argyll and Bute|last=Council|date=5 March 2020|website=Argyll and Bute Council}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thelochsidepress.com/2020/08/11/rest-and-be-thankful-cross-party-calls-for-work-on-permanent-solution-to-start-next-year/|title=Rest and Be Thankful: Cross-party calls for work on permanent solution to start next year|date=11 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/projects/a83-improvements/a83-rest-and-be-thankful/rest-and-be-thankful/|title=Transport Scotland | Rest and Be Thankful|website=www.transport.gov.scot}}</ref>

[[Transport Scotland]] has, in recent years, spent £80M on landslip prevention schemes, none of which has improved the situation on the trunk road.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18632080.80m-wasted-multiple-failed-fixes-iconic-a83-rest-thankful/|title=It's the pits: £80m taxpayers' money 'wasted' over multiple failed fixes to iconic Scots road|website=HeraldScotland}}</ref> The many wire slip capture nets and supporting cables have failed on many occasions and some have criticised these, saying they blight the picturesque area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://trl.co.uk/sites/default/files/PPR743%20-An%20Extended%20and%20Updated%20Technical%20Evaluation%20of%20Wig-Wag%20Signs%20at%20the%20A83%20Rest%20and%20be%20Thankful.pdf|title=REPORT PPR743}}</ref>

* The trunk road was closed here due to a 400-tonne landslide on 28 October 2007.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7077796.stm |title='Flatout' efforts to reopen A83 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=5 November 2007}}</ref> The road was partially reopened on Monday 10 November.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.islayinfo.com/article.php/a83_rest_and_be_thankful_closure |website=Islay Weblog |title=A83 Rest and be Thankful Open - Single Lane only |date=9 November 2007}}</ref>
* A 1,070 tonne landslide closed the trunk road around noon on 8 September 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8244247.stm |title=Landslip as winds batter Scotland |work=[[BBC News]] |date=8 September 2009}}</ref> The road reopened at 15:00 on 10 September 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8248459.stm |title=Road open 48 hours after landslip |work=[[BBC News]] |date=10 September 2009}}</ref>
* A landslip on 1 December 2011 closed the trunk road for 24 hours.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-15981488 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=1 December 2011 |title=Slip could close A83 Rest and Be Thankful for 24 hours}}</ref>
* Another landslip closed the trunk road from 22 February 2012, and an even more substantial landslip in August 2012 resulted in further major delays and closures.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17140411 |title=Landslip closes A83 Rest and Be Thankful in Argyll |work=[[BBC News]] |date=23 February 2012}}</ref>
* On 3 October 2013, the trunk road was reopened at 17:30, having been closed between the A815 and the B828 since the previous night.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/a83-could-reopen-today-as-work-resumes-to-clear-rest-and-be-thankful-landslide-1-244446 |title=A83 could reopen today as work resumes to clear Rest and Be Thankful landslide |work=[[The Scotsman]] |first=Alastair |last=Dalton |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110175158/http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/a83-could-reopen-today-as-work-resumes-to-clear-rest-and-be-thankful-landslide-1-2444469 |archive-date=2013-11-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-24378986 |title=A83 at Rest and be Thankful reopens following landslip |work=[[BBC News]] |date=3 October 2013}}</ref>
* On 30 December 2015, [[2015–16 UK and Ireland windstorm season#Storm Frank|Storm Frank]] caused a 200 tonne landslide; two cars were caught up in the debris but no one was harmed. The trunk road reopened the following afternoon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forargyll.com/?p=103727 |title=Argyll News: A83 now closed with landslide at Rest & Be Thankful |website=For Argyll |date=2015-12-30 |access-date=2016-12-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118155300/http://forargyll.com/?p=103727 |archive-date=18 January 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Campbell |first=Rita |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/792172/cars-caught-up-in-rest-and-be-thankful-landslide/ |title=Storm Frank: Cars caught up in Rest and Be Thankful landslide |work=[[The Press and Journal (Scotland)|The Press and Journal]] |date=2015-12-30 |access-date=2016-12-14}}</ref>
* The A83 trunk road closed again for a period of nine days in October 2018, in response to landslides triggered during the start of Storm Callum.
* In August 2020 a landslip happened as the area experienced heavy rains, again closing the trunk road.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-08-05|title=Boulders 'as big as cars' at Rest and Be Thankful|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-53658307|access-date=2020-08-07}}</ref>
* In September 2020, after being re-opened for only five days, a further landslip happened as the area again experienced heavy rains, closing the trunk road.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-09-13|title=A83: Rest and Be Thankful to remain closed overnight due to landslide|language=en-GB|work=Herald Scotland|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18717516.a83-rest-thankful-remain-closed-overnight-due-landslide/|access-date=2020-09-13}}</ref>
*In October 2023, after heavy rain, the A83 was closed after seven separate landslides. The road was closed for five days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-67053999|title=Rest and Be Thankful road hit by seven landslips|date=9 October 2023|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.stv.tv/west-central/landslide-hit-a83-at-rest-and-be-thankful-to-fully-reopen-after-months-worth-of-rain-hit-argyll|title=Landslide-hit Rest and Be Thankful reopens following major flooding|first=Caitlyn|last=Dewar|date=11 October 2023|website=STV News}}</ref> Ten people were airlifted by helicopter, after becoming trapped between landslips while traveling on the road.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk/news/23840997.a83-ten-rescued-cars-road-closed-landslip/|title=Ten people airlifted from vehicles after major route closed by landslip|date=7 October 2023|website=Helensburgh Advertiser}}</ref>

Landslides have become increasingly frequent in recent years despite remediation efforts. In March 2020 [[Transport Scotland]] said it was investing in the further construction of catch pits which it hoped would mitigate against landslides along the A83 trunk road route.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-51753994 |title=Rest and Be Thankful: New pit to combat landslips on A83. |website=[[BBC News]] |date=5 March 2020 |access-date=5 March 2020}}</ref> A 10-year woodland creation project is currently in progress; it is thought that the subsequent ground stabilisation will help prevent further landslides.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forestryandland.gov.scot/what-we-do/planning/consultations/rest-and-be-thankful-woodland-creation|title=Rest and Be Thankful woodland creation - Forestry and Land Scotland|website=forestryandland.gov.scot}}</ref>

In March 2022, Transport Scotland shortlisted five consultants to design a long-term solution to landslip problems on the A83 at Rest and Be Thankful. Five options including tunnelling are being considered. Transport Scotland has looked at Norway's processes and methods for developing and constructing tunnelling projects to deal with conditions similar to those at Rest and Be Thankful.<ref name="TCI-04Mar2022">{{cite news |title=Five designers shortlisted for A83 landslip remedy |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/five-designers-shortlisted-for-a83-landslip-remedy |access-date=4 March 2022 |work=The Construction Index |date=4 March 2022}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{commonscat-inline}}
*[http://www.bgs.ac.uk/downloads/start.cfm?id=1245 2007 Rest and Be Thankful Landslide], [[British Geological Survey]]
*[http://www.bgs.ac.uk/science/landUseAndDevelopment/landslides/RABT_2009.html 2009 Rest and Be Thankful Landslide], British Geological Survey

{{UK primary routes 8}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:8-0083}}
[[Category:Roads in Scotland]]
[[Category:Transport in Argyll and Bute]]
[[Category:Transport in West Dunbartonshire]]
[[Category:Mountain passes of Scotland]]
[[Category:Cowal]]
[[Category:Inveraray]]
[[Category:Lochgilphead]]
[[Category:Campbeltown]]