A petition calling on the Scottish Government to protect Loch Lomond’s shoreline from an upgraded A82 will be presented to Holyrood this week.
The Helensburgh and District Access Trust launched the petition in September, which called on the Scottish Government to reconsider its process for selecting the preferred option for the planned upgrade of the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan.
Transport Scotland is proposing a £150million upgrade of the section, which is currently considered narrow and dangerous, as it winds its way through challenging terrain close to the loch shore and the West Highland railway line.
Proposals include a series of large and highly-visible rock cuts, lengthy sections of viaduct structures built out over the loch and removal of extensive areas of protected ancient oak woodlands to develop an upgraded route that is very close to the existing A82 but wider with fewer bends.
The Access Trust has previously warned such works will be a “disaster” and is calling for a ‘high road’ option which is set further back from the loch.
A total of 526 people signed the petition which closed on October 18, and will now be considered by the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee of the Scottish Parliament.
MSP Jackie Baillie will accompany members of HADAT to Edinburgh, as they present new evidence pointing to the success of the ‘High Road’ solution adopted in the 1980s by engineers for the upgrade of the A9 at the Pass of Killiecrankie. Commenting, John Urquhart of HADAT said: “When they upgraded the A9 in 1980, the engineering and environmental considerations in the steep and narrow Pass of Killiecrankie were closely analogous to those facing engineers now as they ponder how best to upgrade the A82 along the beautiful, steeply wooded shores of Loch Lomond between Tarbet and Inverarnan.
“In 1980 they chose a high road solution which left the beautiful pass of Killiecrankie, its military road and ancient woodland untouched.
“They also by-passed Pitlochry and Killiecrankie, freeing them from heavy traffic.
“The old road was left for local traffic, cyclists and access to the beautiful woodland walking trail by the River Gary, from which the busy A9 above can neither be seen nor heard.
“Built on a viaduct above the railway the old road and the ancient woods, the new A9 gives superb views over the historic pass.”
The petition is also supported by conservation charity, Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs (FOLLAT) who believe Transport Scotland’s decision to build the upgraded A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan on or close to the same line as the old road will be an environmental disaster for the eight mile stretch of Loch Lomond’s
Bonnie Banks between Tarbet and Inverarnan.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “As with all improvements to the trunk road we are following a rigorous assessment process to establish the design of the A82 Tarbet to Inverarnan scheme.
“We are satisfied that we have followed due process and remain satisfied with the outcomes of the options appraisal process. We fully understand people feel strongly about this route and this is why maintaining the natural beauty of this key lifeline link is an integral part of the design to ensure we deliver the right scheme and keep impacts on the environment to the absolute minimum.
“As with all our major projects, engagement with local communities and other stakeholders is also at the heart of scheme development.
“This will ensure feedback received is taken into account as we develop our plans.
“While there is still a lot of development work to be carried out, which is being informed by our enhanced understanding of the specific complexities associated with improving this iconic route, we continue to push forward the preparation stages to deliver this scheme as soon as possible.”
