Oban Times Letters to the Editor - 26.9.24
Letter to Cabinet Secretary for Transport
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the Scottish Government’s excessive expenditure of £16 million on consultancy fees for the Rest and Be Thankful road project. This staggering amount, spent in less than four years on design and assessment, raises serious questions about the priorities of the SNP-led Scottish Assembly.
While it is vital to address the ongoing issues with landslips on this critical route, the allocation of such a significant sum to paperwork rather than actionable solutions is nothing short of scandalous.
Local residents and businesses are suffering due to the repeated road closures and the lack of timely progress. The assurances regarding temporary diversions and long-term solutions, including a shelter above the road and improvements to the Old Military Road, have yet to translate into meaningful results.
The focus on consultancy fees over actual construction undermines the needs of the community who rely on this vital road for their livelihoods.
It is imperative that the Scottish Government reassesses its approach. We need clear, transparent updates on the project’s progress and a commitment to ensuring that future spending is both efficient and effective. The prolonged delays and high costs must not continue to impact our local economy.
I urge you to prioritise real solutions over inflated consultancy bills, for the sake of our community and the many who depend on the Rest and Be Thankful route.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Councillor Alastair Redman, Kintyre and the Islands Ward.
The kindness of strangers
Like many others, I visited Fort William and the surrounding area.
We were very impressed by not only the beautiful lochs and mountains, but by the people. Wherever we went we were impressed by the kindness of people. From the lock keepers, when I was kayaking, to the folks who served in the shops, hotels and restaurants.
We were also impressed by how diverse and inclusive your community is. I also was surprised how kind your young people were, both to each other and visitors.
However, one doesn’t truly know how friendly a place is until you are in adversity. Mine occurred when I was going to visit your Wetherspoons for a coffee, being looked after by my assistance dog.
I was amazed that I was refused entry by the staff. At that point many of the locals rallied round me and informed staff that they were not only wrong, but it was illegal, as Bailey is my registered care dog.
Having PTSD I was feeling a little frail, so the lovely locals took me to another place for a coffee. An old soldier was very grateful.
The only thing I can’t get my head round is that you drive to the top of Ben Nevis and even run up it! You guys are different but lovely.
Martin Whitmill, by email.
No peace for Glenfinnan
Glenfinnan has had the curse of Harry Potter for the past five years or so.
Once Danny Boyle’s movie on Zombies is screened next year, there will be the added curse of Zombie seekers hunting locations where various scenes were shot – I am afraid St Marys wonderful Catholic Church will be one of them, no longer a peaceful retreat.
Although, when you observe the Harry Potter affectionatus wandering around, often in the rain, looking just a wee bit lost, you could be forgiven for thinking that they are looking for a Zombieland movie location, or just realising that the Glenfinnan experience is "Much Ado About Nothing" anyway.
I have to agree with, and sympathise with Mr Eric Whittaker who will "not be coming back".
It seems, he is not alone in his observations and thoughts. I have met many such visitors this year with a very similar experience to Mr Whittaker.
Graham Noble, Kinlocheil.
Sign up to our daily Newsletter
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
You may also like
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
© 2025 Wyvex Media Limited.