GOOD progress is being made on building an emergency alternative route on the A83 at the Rest and be Thankful to avoid an hour's diversion, according to the Transport Minister.

Keith Brown chaired the second meeting of the A83 Taskforce before seeing for himself the significant progress being made on the ground.

The road has been blocked five times in the past five years, meaning motorist had to take a diversion by Dalmally and Crianlarich, which takes around 65 minutes.

Mr Brown said he was acutely aware of local community calls to have an emergency diversion route in place as soon as possible – a route which would ensure vehicles avoid long diversions when the road is forced to close.

"The taskforce was updated on the construction work which has been continuing apace to upgrade the Old Military Route to what is essentially trunk road standard – a not insignificant challenge," he said.

"Over £2m is being invested towards ending the effects of landslides at the Rest and Be Thankful, including construction of the emergency diversion route."