WATCH: Inverness and Nairn SNP MSP Fergus Ewing's emotional call for action on A9 dualling
Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing has appealed for the dualling of the A9 to be brought forward following two more recent deaths – one of them his friend Philippa Grant of Rothiemurchus.
"I am pressing the Scottish Government to bring forward revised plans on the timescale for dualling the A9 and the A96 from Inverness to Auldearn including the Nairn bypass," he posted after his appearance in the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.
"In the first two full weeks back after the summer I’ve raised the issue in the Chamber on two occasions and I will keep going till we succeed."
At times struggling to control his emotions, he reminded the administration that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had recently reiterated that safety was 'paramount' as he announced: "It is with great sadness that I report that two further people have lost their lives in two separate incidents on the A9, both last Friday (September 16), and our thoughts and sympathies are with the families.
"May I ask your guidance, Presiding Officer, on how I can secure the objective of the Scottish Government proposing an oral ministerial statement to this chamber setting out its revised plans – not least because the current target for dualling the A9 remains 2025, something that's plainly impossible and requires updating."
He was assured that his comments were now on the record.
