LATEST ON ROAD CONDITIONS IN ARGYLL AND BUTE

We expect that the severe weather will continue for many days to come, and it is therefore important that pedestrians and drivers take extreme care at this time.

Although Argyll and Bute has not experienced the severe snow seen in the Highlands and the Borders, we still have sub-zero temperatures during the day which leaves the road surface temperatures very low.

All our main roads are open, but a number of our secondary routes have had to be closed due to sheet ice. Our gritters are currently unable to get to these locations to treat them.

On Mull, the B8073 road between Ensay and Kilninian near Calgary and also the C46 Glen Bellart road between Salen and Dervaig are both closed.

We are making all reasonable attempts to get these roads open as soon as possible but the current weather conditions make this task difficult.

Many of the side roads throughout our area are still treacherous, but these will be treated when resources permit. We treat our main strategic roads first to ensure that traffic can move between our main centres of population. Pavements continue to be tricky but when resources permit these will be re-treated.

It is important when travelling that you give yourself much more time to make your journey. It is not possible in these weather conditions to expect all our roads to be free from ice and snow. You should drive at speeds appropriate to the road conditions.

Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, the Transportation Spokesperson has thanked the winter maintenance staff for their continued input during some of the worst weather our area has had in 30 years.

“The weather has been terrible but our winter maintenance staff have continued to provide an excellent service, especially over the festive period when they have ensured that all our main roads have remained open,” he said.

“I wish to personally thank the staff for their significant input at this time. Indeed, the co-operation from the public is also appreciated and we hope this will continue. The poor weather conditions are going to continue and I would ask that all drivers and pedestrians take care at this time.”