Luing Causeway now improbable

When the possibility of a fixed link across the Cuan Sound to the slate island of Luing was investigated during the STAG report (Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance), a hydrographic survey was done indicating that the depth of the sound was too great for a causeway to be a viable option.

Since then a local lobby group, FLAG (Fixed Link Action Group), representing some of the islanders, conducted its own hydrographic survey and claimed that the depth of water in the sound was less than  STAG had found.

It looked as if a causeway was back on the agenda and environmental groups, as we reported, were becoming increasingly concerned about the consequence of a causeway interrupting the tidal flow in this sound. Local fishermen were similarly exercised about the impact such a structure would have on their livelihoods, forcing a longer and roundabout alternative passage out to fishing grounds, with higher fuel costs.

Now it seems as if a causeway is no longer an option and that this situation is probably permanent.

We understand that Argyll and Bute Council, following the agitation by FLAG, have been compelled to spend money on conducting their own -and the third, hydrographic survey of the sound, to establish once and for all whether the depth of water would support the construction of a causeway.

The findings evidently indicate that the STAG survey was accurate and that the depth is too great to contemplate a causeway.