DECISION TO PROCEED WITH THE GLENCOE ROAD.
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I T is now definitely settled that the
much-discussed new road proposed to be constructed through the famous passes of Glencoe, Argyllshire, is to be proceeded with according to the original plans. This decision was arrived at by the Argyll County Council when it met to consider recent developments in connection with the campaign of opposition which has been carried on for seine months, backed by the Association for the Preservation of Rural Scotland and one or two other public bodies.
The opposition was based on the assumption that the line to be followed in forming the new road would interfere unnecessarily with the amenity of the glen and create an-eyesore. On the other hand, it was held by the local authority and those who were to benefit most directly from the contemplated improvement that the opening up of the West Highlands for motor . traffic. both passenger and commercial, depended, in a very large measure, on the construction of a good, substantial highway, with easy gradients between Tyndrum and Ballachulish, a distance of about 30 miles.
Sir Henry Maybury, who took much personal interest in the scheme, was always of opinion that the Argyll County Council was fully justified in its demand for a road of the most modern type consistent with the requirements of the district, both under present conditions and the economic expansion to be expected in the near future. He also made the pronouncement that, in June last, a stage had been reached at which the council's dictum on the question of route was to be accepted as final.
It may, therefore, be concluded that, as the local authority is unanimous in its resolution to adhere to the original plan, the work of construction will now be proceeded with at an early date, and that no further complications will interrupt the progress of the work.
The road is to have a minimum width of 18 ft. and a gradient not exceeding, at any point, 1 in 25. Tho cost is estimated at half-a-million sterling, and every endeavour will be made to disturb the scenic aspect of the district to the smallest possible extent.