Update on Arran road improvements programme

North Ayrshire Council is carrying out a programme of vital roadworks at various locations on Arran in the coming weeks.

The programme includes essential resurfacing works on the B880 (The String road) which start on Wednesday, 22 July. There will be a temporary road closure in place from The String at Glenloig Bridge to south of Machrie Moor junction, with a diversion, for ten days in total.

This section of road will be closed between 8am and 7pm daily on the following dates:

• Wednesday, 22 July to Friday, 24 July (three days)
• Wednesday, 29 July Tuesday, 4 August (five days)
• Thursday, 6 August 2026 (one day) and
• Monday 10th August 2026. (one day)

The road will be open across the weekend of Saturday 1 and Sunday 2, August.

Vehicle access will be maintained for residents and businesses throughout the works, and traffic marshals will be on site to offer assistance. The diversion route is via the A841, The String, the C147 and Whiting Bay in both directions.

A second temporary road closure will be at the C147 Machrie near to the bus stop at the Old Byre from 8am to 7pm for three days from Thursday, 13 August to Monday, 17 August. Again, this is to carry out necessary carriageway improvements.

The road will be open across the weekend of Saturday 15 and Sunday 16, August.

The diversion route will be via the C147, The String, the A841 and the C147 in each direction.

A third closure will be in place at the C147 north of The Dougarie Boathouse - for a distance of 600 metres - from 8am to 7pm for three days on Wednesday, 19 August, Thursday, 20 August and Monday, 24 August.

The diversion at this location will be via the C147, The String, the A841, the C147 and vice versa.

There will be a fourth temporary road closure at The Ross from Bogarie Farm to Forestry Access Road at the mast.

This will be in place for three days, from 8am to 7pm from Tuesday, 25 August to Thursday, 27 August to allow carriageway improvement works to be carried out. A diversion will be in place via the C3-A1, The Ross, the A841 and the C147 in both directions.

The Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders and associated signage for each closure will contain clear information on the exact points of closure, where there may be appropriate turning points and access limits on the routes.

This will help road users to determine the accessibility of businesses and services on the route or whether the diversion route is necessary for access.

A Council spokesperson said: “These works are vital to help keep residents and visitors on the move and maintain connectivity on the island.

“Decisions to close roads are not taken lightly, and we do so with the long-term benefits for residents, visitors and businesses in mind.

“We understand that road closures can be disruptive, especially in summer. However, works like these need to be done during spells of favourable weather so they can be completed in a timely and efficient manner.

“The works are programmed so that the overall disruption might be limited to the shortest schedule possible, and works will not take place on weekends.

“We appreciate the ongoing patience and understanding of the Arran community while these essential road improvements are made.”

At each of the four sites, a full road closure is necessary for the operational safety of road users and operatives within regulatory requirements and to facilitate the use of specialist machinery.

Published: 21 July 2026