Highland MSP Douglas Ross supports Inverness Courier’s petition calling for timeline on A96 dualling project
SIGN OUR PETITION HERE
More than 1000 people have signed The Inverness Courier’s petition calling for a timeline for the Nairn bypass and the dualling of the A96 between Nairn and Inverness.
Launched last Monday, the petition calls for the Scottish Government to provide an update on the project’s development and confirm its commitment to build infrastructure which is key to future development in the area.
Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross used a debate on rural transport in the Scottish Parliament to encourage people to support the petition asking the Scottish Government to set up a clear timeline, by the end of the year, for the dualling of the A96 between Inverness and Nairn and the construction of a Nairn bypass.
He said: “I had no hesitation in signing this petition myself and wanted to use the debate to once again highlight the urgent need to dual the A96 and for the government to set out its plans to dual the road from Inverness to Nairn and build the Nairn bypass.
"The Inverness Courier is absolutely correct to call for a clear timescale for this by the end of the year and it's encouraging to see hundreds of people supporting the petition in the first few days.
"We need to keep up the pressure on SNP ministers to be honest with communities about when these crucial upgrades will happen, and the Courier's campaign will ensure this issue is heard at the highest levels.
"I had hoped the SNP transport minister may have commented on the petition as she closed the debate, but sadly she didn't and refused to take any intervention on the subject. However, this is an issue I will continue to raise in parliament, and I hope the Scottish Government responds positively to the petition and provides a clear timeframe for these works by the end of the year.
"We can all do our bit to reinforce this message by signing the Inverness Courier's petition.”
Many of those who have supported the petition so far have shared their experiences of using the road in the comments.
One supporter said: “I use the road to visit my elderly mum in Buckie. I live in Inverness, it is often mega delayed getting through Nairn. It needs done ASAP.”
Another one said: “The health of the children and adults in Nairn is being severely compromised by vehicle exhaust fumes. Our primary school children breathe this in daily as their playground is directly adjacent to this congested road.”
Although it has been a talking point for four decades, it was 2011 when the Scottish Government pledged to complete the dualling between all of Scotland’s cities - including the dualling of the A96 and Nairn bypass, with a preferred route published in 2014.
In March 2024, Made Orders were published and the process for the acquisition of land required for the scheme started in May this year.
More than a decade after that initial pledge, there is still no timeline provided for works for this development.
Nairn and Cawdor Councillor Barbara Jarvie said: “I 100 per cent support, and have signed, the Couriers’ Nairn bypass petition for a timeline. There is no reason why this cannot be given as they’ve had literally years to find funding, ringfence said funding and schedule the goal as a priority!
“Now is the time for the firm commitment of a timeline for a lifeline to save lives.
“Well done on [Inverness and Nairn SNP MSP] Fergus Ewing’s backing [of the petition], it’s a shame he seems to be a lone voice in his party at times. However, I am sure other MSPs would support it if asked, this needs to be a strong cross-party collaborative request to the Scottish Government. Well done Inverness Courier for leading this transparency of commitment.”
Nairn Provost Laurie Fraser also backed the petition, saying: “Please, please, please give us a bypass! Trying to work in Nairn is getting impossible.”
