The preliminary work will begin next month and is expected to last 8-10 weeks, ending at the end of April, weather permitting.

In one of his last acts as transport minister, Graeme Dey said this level of investment is required to carry out the necessary extensive early investigation, to best inform the design process for the scheme. These costs reflect both the challenging landscape presented at the route and the range and nature of the options being under consideration.

Mr Dey, who has today stepped down from the role for health reasons, said: “Addressing the resilience of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful is one of this Government’s top priorities.

“Local residents and road users can be assured that the situation is being treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves, with measures to maintain connectivity on a short, medium and long term basis all being pursued.

“Identifying the preferred route corridor for a resilient long term solution last year was a major step forward for this vital work and we continue to push forward the design of alternative options within that online corridor.

“The ground investigations, which are part of the necessary baseline data that we are collecting, are expected to start next month and will help inform that design work as we look to identify a preferred route option next year. 

“We recognise that the timescales for developing an alternative to the current route and finding a long-term solution to the challenges created by the Rest and Be Thankful section of the A83 are frustrating for the local community. However, this scheme is technically challenging and the landscape is dynamic so it is vital we understand the terrain we are working in, in order to develop a suitable solution of the correct standard in the correct place.

“In recognition of the urgency to find a solution Transport Scotland is also progressing work  to develop a medium term resilient route through Glen Croe while the long term solution is developed. We will bring forward proposals for this by late 2022. This work includes consideration of utilising the existing forestry track.”