Transport Scotland has confirmed Soil Engineering Geoservices Ltd have been appointed to undertake the £1.6 million contract which is expected to last approximately eight weeks, weather permitting.

Cabinet secretary for transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to delivering a long-term solution to the landslip risks at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.

“The announcement last June of the preferred route option for the Long-Term Solution was a significant confirmation of our commitment to improve the route. The design work for this is being progressed with a view to publishing draft Orders by the end of this year.

“At the same time, we are progressing our plans to increase the resilience of the temporary diversion route along the Old Military Road. The first phase of the work to realign the southern end of the route, reducing the risk of flooding, is progressing well and remains on schedule to be completed in Spring.

“The ground investigations to inform future phases of the Medium Term Solution are expected to start next month and we will then look to start further works later this year, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.”

She added: “Design work for both the medium and long-term solutions continue to be progressed at pace and we are holding public engagement events this week to update local communities and road users on how the work is progressing and to let them comment on our plans.

“When completed, the work on the Old Military Road will increase the resilience of the temporary diversion route by reducing the likelihood of landslides impacting it. These improvements will mean more certainty for locals and road users if the A83 has to shut due to adverse weather conditions.

“All of this underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to work with local communities and key stakeholders to ensure that Argyll & Bute remains open for business.”