A HELICOPTER has been deployed to lift in specialist equipment to stabilise ­boulders that were in danger of falling on to the A83 at the Rest and be Thankful in Argyll.

The road has been closed since Thursday following a landslide and drivers have been diverted onto the nearby Old Military Road.

The helicopter was used to lift equipment up on to the hillside where specialist contractor Georope has been working to secure the embankment.

Work is due to continue this week to stabilise the ­hillside and it is expected the diversion will remain in place.

A spokesman for Bear Scotland, which oversees the route, said: "This work has been put in place by Transport Scotland to help reduce the risk of delays and road closures due to landslips at the Rest and Be Thankful and help support the local economy as a result."