BREAKING: Highland MSP Fergus Ewing succeeds in getting Scottish Government to treat vehicles trapped on A9 in Storm Gerrit as national emergency
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A Highland MSP has successfully called on the Scottish Government to treat the A9’s closure in extreme weather as a national emergency amid concern for the well-being of trapped drivers and passengers.
The major road route has been closed near Drumochter since early afternoon after Storm Gerrit brought heavy snowfalls.
As we reported earlier, up to 400 vehicles became trapped in 20-mile tailbacks either side of the closure.
The A9 remains closed at Drumochter with some larger vehicles said to be unable to turn and leave, although there have been little recent updates or information from police or Highland Council on how much those tailbacks have eased.
Fergus Ewing, MSP for Inverness and Nairn, wrote to Scottish transport secretary Mairi MacAllan this evening asking her to give “urgent consideration” to convening the Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR).
He has just had confirmation that this is now being done.
SGoRR is a coordination facility of the Scottish Government activated in cases of national emergency or crisis, or during events abroad with major implications for Scotland and the wider British Isles.
It was first activated after the terrorist attack on Glasgow Airport in 2007 and most recently during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Ewing wrote: “I understand that many cars and other vehicles have been stranded for many hours.
“Because of the high altitude at Drumochter the exposure may be extreme. Obviously those trapped in these vehicles are facing potential serious health risks through the severe weather.
“Obviously, I do not have access to current reports from the emergency services of the up to date situation, but I understand that a major incident was declared this afternoon.
“The Inverness Courier have reported that up to 400 vehicles may be or have been trapped.
“I am writing to seek your urgent consideration and that of your ministerial colleagues as to whether SGoRR should be convened and also for a report on the updated situation which is of major concern.
“I know there are issues around the country today, but I felt it right to raise my concerns relating to the A9.
“I’m sure the emergency services are, as always, on the case and doing all they can to help those involved and at risk.
“But I wanted to raise this formally with the Scottish Government because of the potential gravity of the situation.”
BEAR Scotland’s latest social media update said the A9 remained closed at Drumochter, with gritters making good progress, but that the road had reopened at Ballinluig after severe flooding, with the flood water having receded.
