Four Years of Potential Disruption at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful: What Might This Mean for Your Business?

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) is asking for your views on the potential forthcoming closure of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful (RABT) – a closure expected to last up to four years while the Long-Term Solution (LTS) is constructed.

During this period, the upgraded Old Military Road (OMR) is expected to serve as the main diversion route. While a permanent solution is essential, the scale and duration of disruption raises serious concerns for businesses, communities, and visitors across Argyll and Bute – and beyond.

Why Your Input Matters

We know that the closure will have real consequences for those who live and work in the area. That’s why we’re gathering evidence from self-catering operators and other businesses to:

• Understand the likely impact on bookings, turnover, and investment.
• Assess the wider consequences for the visitor experience, community wellbeing, and Argyll and Bute’s reputation as a tourism destination.
• Identify what support and mitigation measures would make a meaningful difference during the disruption.

Your feedback will help us build a clear and credible case to take to Transport Scotland, the Scottish Government, and local representatives. We want to ensure they fully understand the impact on the self-catering sector and put the right support in place.

Who Should Respond?

This survey is aimed primarily at self-catering businesses in Argyll and Bute, but we also welcome responses from businesses across Scotland who may be affected by the closure and diversion.

Make Your Voice Heard

• The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete.
• Deadline: 6pm, Wednesday 10 September 2025.
• All responses are confidential and will be reported in aggregate only.

👉 Complete the survey now and help ensure the voice of the self-catering sector is heard at this critical moment for the future of Argyll and Bute.