A9 dualling delay – What YOU think
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After it was confirmed A9 dualling will not be complete by 2025, Courier readers were quick to make their feelings known.
Scottish Government transport minister Jenny Gilruth confirmed the project would not meet its promised completion date of 2025 yesterday, in an announcement that would have surprised very few.
She blamed delays caused by Brexit, the war in Ukraine and inflation.
Many Courier readers were less than sympathetic.
Alice Macdonald said: "Well maybe if they had got their finger out and got on with it instead of prevaricating all the time, it would be maybe a lot further on than it is.
"Of course it's the Highlands, we don't seem to be a priority."
And Charles Bannerman said: "This was perfectly 'achievable'.
"It’s just that the Highlands have again become the victim of Scottish Government incompetence, central belt indifference and the SNP’s need to jump to the tune of the Marxist Lentillists who keep this shambles of a devolved administration imposed upon Scotland and the Highlands."
The idea that the Highlands is missing out because the government is too focussed on the central belt was common.
Jack Waddington posted: "They've never cared about us. Never have, never will. Two hours driving on a deathtrap or an extra half hour on an uncomfortable train
"Uncontacted tribes in the Amazon probably have better infrastructure than us at this stage."
There was some support, perhaps even sympathy, forthe goivernment's position.
Willie Innes said: "Always a delay, I've noticed this with anything that needs doing in the Highlands, if it was Edinburgh or Glasgow where they live, it would be done straight away."
To which Iain Frith responded that the Edinburgh trams "didn't exactly get done on time or budget".
That in turn though caused Audrey Whitfield to respond that the trams were, in her view, "completely different".
She added: "Edinburgh did not 'need' trams and no lives were being lost."
Chris Dowling said: "The harsh reality is people are dying on these roads regularly.
"This should attract cross party outrage as this isn’t about politics any more, it’s about saving lives."
There was more reaction today after Inverness and Nairn SNP MSP Fergus Ewing accused his own party of "betraying" the Highlands by failing to ensure the project would be completed by the promised deadline.
Eduardo Noga said: "Well done to him. No politicians should put their parties before what really is better for the people who voted for them.
"Anyway, what would anyone be surprised? This is just another SNP seal of incompetence and failure to deliver what they have promised in their elections pledges."
Bonnie Sime said: "We in the North are used to being disappointed by the Central Belt's broken promises!! It's as if we don't matter. Sad state of affairs."
However Aileen Sime asked: "Omg what’s wrong with people, there’s been a pandemic, it’s not the road that causes accidents it’s drivers not taking due care and attention."
And in similar terms Rosemary Maclean Johnstone said: "I think it is more important for the drivers to be more careful – the roads are not to blame! I know the A9 very well."
Where do you stand on this issue? Let us know by commenting on Facebook or email newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk
