Updated 7 November 2025: Due to changes in the programme of works, the schedule for tree removal works on the A85 at Dalmally has been rearranged. Please see changed dates below.

• Tree felling starts on Monday 3 November

• Overnight road closure with amnesties until Monday 24 November

BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is set to remove potentially hazardous trees affected by ash dieback, a destructive fungal disease, on the A85 between Dalmally and Loch Awe Holiday Park from Monday 3 November.

Works will be carried out between the hours of 10pm and 6am each night, including weekends, and are expected to be completed by the morning of Monday 24 November. Works will be carries out as follows:

• Innis Chonain to Cruachan Power Station – 10pm on Thursday 6 November – 6am on Saturday 8 November        
• Lochawe (30 mph sign west end of village) to Cruachan Power Station – 10pm on Sunday 9 November – 6am on Wednesday 12 November
• Lochawe store to West end of Lochawe village – 10pm on Wednesday 12 November – 6am on Thursday 13 November           
• Cruachan Power Station to Loch Awe Holiday Park – 10pm on Thursday 13 November – 6am on Saturday 15 November
• West of Dalmally to East of A819 junction –  10pm on Sunday 16 November  – 6am on Thursday 20 November
• Cruachan Power Station to Loch Awe Holiday Park – 10pm on Thursday 20 November – 6am on Monday 24 November A full overnight road closure will be in place for the safety of workers and road users. Short amnesty periods will be provided at 11pm, midnight, 2am, 4am, with the road fully reopening by 6am.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and leave extra time for their journey as well as arrive in good time if wishing to take advantage of an amnesty period.

Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.

Euan Scott, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative said: “Following an area-wide review of the A85 between Dalmally and Loch Awe Holiday Park, we are removing any trees that have been identified as a risk to road users.

“It is essential that we put safety measures in place, including closing the road overnight, while we remove these potentially hazardous trees. We have planned the works to take place at night when traffic levels are lower to reduce the impact on road users.

“The nature of the works will result in an increase in noise levels, and we apologise in advance for the inconvenience this may cause. We thank road users and the local community for their patience and understanding.”

All works are weather dependent and subject to postponement in the event of adverse conditions.

For more information on Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland’s ash dieback management plan, visit https://www.bearscot.com/about-bear/major-projects/ash-dieback-action-plan/.

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland at www.traffic.gov.scot, or on X at @trafficscotland.