A83 Rest and be Thankful: Ecological and Related Landslide Mitigation Options

In recent years a number of debris flow events have closed the A83 trunk road in the vicinity of the Rest and be Thankful. The damage caused has been both difficult and costly to repair, and the associated closures have caused traffic delays with attendant socio-economic impacts. This report examines the merits of a number of ecological and related landslide mitigation options for the south-west facing slopes of Beinn Luibhean in Glen Croe above the A83 trunk road. The use of explosives, and issues related to livestock and vegetation planting are discussed and an outline scheme for planting, developed by Forestry Commission Scotland and others in collaboration with the Authors, is briefly described. The planting scheme has the potential to reduce instability in the long-term but must be considered as part of a broader strategy that incorporates other aspects of land management, including stock control, and appropriate engineering measures.