Transport minister hails Stromeferry effort
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A LONG-RUNNING Ross-shire road issue came to the personal attention of a leading Scottish Government minister today (Tuesday).
Minister for Housing and Transport Keith Brown visited the A890 Stromeferry landslip site to see at first hand the scale of the problem.
The road has either been closed or partially passable since December 22 last year with stopgap ferry services helping to avoid 140-mile detours.
Mr Brown met with representatives from Highland Council to find out about the clear-up operation under way and local people to hear about the impact of the landslip on the area.
Speaking after, he said: “It was important for me to come here to appreciate the scale of the problem at Stromeferry as I am aware that landslips are a particularly difficult roads issue to deal with.
“The A890 is a local road and is the responsibility of Highland Council to fund, maintain and operate, however staff from Transport Scotland’s road and rail departments are working together to assist the council in its endeavours to reopen the road as soon as it is safe to do so and are offering their technical expertise.
“I am pleased to see how the various agencies have come together to keep the local area moving and delighted that ScotRail has been able to assist the Wester Ross community by providing additional morning services for the school children and commuters.
“We should also note that Network Rail is in dialogue with Highland Council over allowing the potential diversion of the road onto railway land, as happened previously.
"If necessary, trains and road traffic would both be able to operate once suitable safety arrangements have been made. The Kyle line is an important part of the highland transport system and also for our offering to tourists in Scotland.
”I am pleased to hear that the ferry repairs are underway and that The Highland Council is exploring all alternative modes of travel for commuters in the meantime.
“The Highland Council is working round the clock to reopen the road and we will continue to work with them and the rail industry to help achieve this.”
