A83 Rest and Be Thankful update - 24 October 2025

BEAR Scotland, working on behalf of Transport Scotland, are set to carry out boulder removal works on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful. Works will commence on Monday 27 October, with the aim being to remove the boulder at first light on Tuesday 28 October.

A geotechnical investigation has identified a boulder on the hillside that should be removed to ensure the ongoing safe operation of the A83 trunk road.

Traffic using the A83 on Monday 27 October will be diverted onto the Old Military Road at 6am, adding approximately 20 minutes to journey times. This is to allow a safe working area to be set up.

Work to remove the boulder will commence at first light on Tuesday 28 October. Given the complex nature of the works, and inherent safety risks, the A83 between Tarbet and Inverary will be fully closed to protect the public from 6am on Tuesday 28 October. Unfortunately, amnesties or use of the Old Military Road will not be possible therefore traffic will be diverted onto the long diversion route via the A83, A82, A85 and A819. Western Ferries are an option from Gourock to Dunoon.

Upon successful removal of the boulder, a hillside inspection on the morning of Wednesday 29 October will inform a decision to return traffic to the Old Military Road or A83 trunk road.

We do appreciate the impact use of the long diversion has on businesses, public transport and local people and it is always the last resort. Unfortunately, the complexity of these works means that traffic will need to be diverted onto the long diversion route.

However, the works are required to ensure the ongoing safety of road users and cannot be delayed through the winter period. Every effort will be made to complete the works and reopen the road as quickly as possible.

Argyll Flyer update

We have received another long communication from CalMac. Needless to say it’s not good news, and the return of a 2 vessel service is estimated to be 16th November.  Please read the full notice below – you may spot the Argyll Flyer undertaking ghost services during the next few days before Ali Cat goes off service for annual overhaul.

After an extensive repair period the Argyll Flyer successfully unslipped at 1000 hrs on 19 October.

Due to the work undertaken, the vessel will need to successfully complete trials to the satisfaction of both BV (Bureau Veritas – Vessel Class Association) and the MCA before the required certification will be issued to allow the resumption of a passenger carrying service.

The vessel is currently berthed at Rothesay Pier to allow harbour trials to be completed on Tuesday 21 October. Upon completion of initial trials, it is planned for the vessel to relocate to James Watt Dock, with further re-activation trials to be completed prior to a targeted return to service, prior to MV Ali Cat’s departure for annual overhaul.

This is later than the previously advised return to service date however, due to the complexity of the work undertaken during the repair period last minute unforeseen issues were presented culminating in the additional time required to complete work to the required standard to allow for a safe return to service.

During the lead up to the return to service, the vessel will complete various sea trials to make sure all systems are fully operational. The sea trials will include, but not be limited to, a ghost service that will involve exhaust emission tests whilst the vessel is alongside the linkspan at both Gourock and Dunoon.

MV Ali Cat was due to undertake annual overhaul from Monday 27 October when MV Argyll Flyer would operate a single vessel service on the Gourock – Dunoon route. This will now be delayed, commencing from Thursday 30 October to ensure services are maintained. Single vessel service on Gourock – Dunoon will be extended to cover Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October, with a single vessel service already scheduled from Monday 27 onwards until MV Ali Cat departs for annual overhaul and MV Argyll Flyer returns to service.

As it stands at the moment, Mv Ali Cat annual overhaul has been delayed until 30 October to allow for single vessel service continuity. Once the vessel enters dock we will be able to provide further updates if there is a risk of a possible delay, vessel is scheduled for 15 days in overhaul at the moment. The anticipated date for both vessels to be in service is 16 November, however this is an estimated date and could change depending on the Mv Ali Cat annual overhaul.

If you would like to get more information regarding the ongoing CalMac Ferries issues, please get in touch with our transport member by emailing transport@dunooncommunitycouncil.co.uk