Flood landslide road set to be re-opened
Popular lochside stretch has been closed since August over fears of further slides
A road along the north shoreline of Loch Katrine is to re-open following the series of devastating landslides there.
The Scottish Waterowned stretch of road between Stronachlachar and Portnellan has been closed following the problems in August.
Landslides damaged parts of the road and properties, and 17 people and a dog had to be evacuated from Glengyle after being cut off and left with no electricity or phone lines overnight.
Scottish Water had initially hoped to re-open the route last month. However, following advice from experts, who carried out geological and hydrological investigations, the company decided the road had to remain shut to motorists, cyclists and walkers because of fears of further landslides, and also to allow for road and bridge repairs.
The road is popular with walkers and cyclists but not normally open to motorists and residents access the route via a keypad system.
Extensive temporary road and bridge repairs have now been completed and Scottish Water last week confirmed the route was re-opened on Saturday to cyclists and walkers.
Subject to forecast rain levels, it will continue to stay open from 8.30am on Saturdays until 5pm on Sunday until the sailing season finishes in early November.
Closure of the route will continue to be enforced on weekdays during this period to enable workers to continue work on permanent repairs and debris removal.
Scottish Power is also carrying out repair work on a pylon which is close to and above the road itself and was damaged in the landslides.
The section of road could still be closed off to cyclists and walkers at the weekends in the event of forecast sustained heavy rainfall as there’s still the risk of further landslides under certain weather conditions.
A spokesperson for Scottish Water said: “For this reason, we would urge all road users to exercise caution, check the weather forecast before they use the road and be alert for water or debris on the road.
“We fully appreciate that the closure of this section of the road since early August has been a significant inconvenience to residents, businesses and visitors, and that this will remain the case during weekdays under these short-term arrangements.
“However, we believe the interim re-opening of the road at weekends will help and would emphasise that we are doing everything possible to minimise inconvenience at key times while being able to progress with our work in the area.”
Stirling MP Stephen Kerr said: “I’m very aware of the work done so far and the continuing problems that need dealing with. We all want to see the road fully open as soon as possible but it must be safe. What is being proposed will provide the best circumstances for the work needed to stabilise the section of hillside affected as quickly as possible. I’m assured that residents in the area will keep getting any support they need until this is sorted.”
It’s understood that Scottish Water is setting up a group involving all interested parties, including Stirling Council, Forestry and Land and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to coordinate the information being put out.
Strathard Community Council chairman Trevor Geraghty added: “It’s brilliant news and it’s absolutely critical that it remains open 365 days a year.
“It’s just part of the whole historic heritage of the community.
“When the road is closed it’s like having your arm cut off so it’s really important that they continue to work to get the road fully re-opened.”
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