Don't let it get on top of you
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Scottish operators should prepare for more landslides due to global
warming. David Harris reports.
GLOBAL WARMING is likely to cause more landslides on Scottish roads like those last summer, according to a new report.
The study published by the Scottish Executive warns that increased rainfall is likely to pose risks for Scottish roads, threatening businesses and tourism alike. Last August alone there were three landslides onto major roads after three times as much rainfall as normal fell that month in parts of Scotland.
The narrowness of many Highland roads means that operators whose vehicles are blocked face particular difficulties because they cannot easily turn around.
Calum Boyd, director of Fort Williambased Boyd Bros,says: "When the road is closed you just have no turning point, so you are stuck. We've had vehicles left overnight on the road before, but luckily so far we have missed the long-term blockages."
Boyd suggests that better drainage would be a key element in reducing the risk of landslides, while more turning places would help make the consequences of landslides less troublesome. The Executive's study concluded that although last August was a particularly difficult period because of high rainfall, future landslides could happen at any time of year.
Roads believed to be particularly vulnerable include the A83 between Ardgarten and Loch Shira; the A87 in Glenshiel; and the A82 between Fort Augustus and Lochend.
However,the report admits that solving the problem is likely to be more difficult than analysing it, because it is not clear where money can be best spent.