Beauty spot car park closed at height of tourist season

Argyll and Bute Council has apologised for closing a car park at a renowned West Kintyre beauty spot at the height of the tourist season.

 

But the local authority says temporarily allowing the car park at Ronachan, an area known locally as “Seal View Point”, to be used to store road-work equipment will benefit those travelling on the A83.

 

Among those concerned about the temporary closure, South Kintyre councillor Tommy Macpherson asked the council what consideration was given to closing the car park.

 

“Compounded by the ongoing ludicrous situation at Claonaig of a landslip and road congestion on the north-east coast, we once again have a popular viewpoint, picnic area and overnight stay car park off limits on the north-west coast,” he said.

 

“Regionally popular for day trippers viewing panoramic scenes, coastal birds, sea life and maritime traffic, plus a recognised milestone on the Kintyre Way and Kintyre 66 routes, Ronachan Bay picnic site and car park is a ‘go to point’ with locals and visitors.

 

“The council, in conjunction with Transport Scotland, has a default position of using that as a satellite roads depot of choice. In a remote detached Kilmory [council headquarters] office, roads operations determine to never mind the locals and never listen to the representations.

 

“Ronachan, like Keil and Westport, has for too long been passed over for formal recognition and investment befitting the wee gems they are here on the peninsula.”

 

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “We are facilitating improvement works being carried out by BEAR Scotland that will benefit road users in Kintyre.

 

“This is a temporary solution and we apologise for any inconvenience.”

 

BEAR Scotland is currently carrying out road surface improvements on two sections of the A83 near Clachan.

 

The work, worth £1.2 million, began on Sunday July 30 and is scheduled to be completed by Friday August 25.

 

During this time, there are road closures in both directions between 8.30pm and 5am each night, although no work will be carried out on Friday or Saturday nights.