WATCH: MSPs call out Scottish Government over ‘broken promise’ on A96 dualling as Corridor Review sparks anger
A statement on the A96 dualling scheme delivered by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport in Holyrood today was met with anger by MSPs, many of whom called out the Scottish Government for a “betrayal” of communities in the Highlands and the northeast.
The statement followed today’s publication of a draft for the A96 Corridor review - which was requested as part of the Bute House agreement with the Green party and was delivered almost two years later than expected.
The new draft plan has revealed that the Scottish Government could abandon plans to fully dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen.
Although the results of the review should not impact ongoing works to dual the A96 between Inverness and Nairn, including the Nairn Bypass, local MSPs called out the government for failing communities in the north.
Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing said the statement was met by constituents and long-standing SNP supporters with ‘fury’.
He said: “Can I ask the cabinet Secretary if she agrees that this report is flawed? It started off with the foregone conclusion.
“So far as I can see, the strategic business case doesn't even consider renewables opportunities in the northeast and the Highlands over the next century, when we require safe decent roads, to the same standard as the Central Belt.
“Seven to one people in the Jacobs analysis of ‘22 said they wanted a dual carriageway.
“How many more consultations do we need before we accept the voice and the verdict of the people in the north of Scotland? And, if we don't, how can this, in all good faith, be considered anything other than a presage to total betrayal?”
Ms Hyslop answered that the publication of the report was “an obligation” after it was requested by MSPs across varioud parties.
She added that looking at the renewables industry and what is required for that to develop was “important”, and that advice has been commissioned - particularly in relation to the development at Ardersier Port.
“But I have an obligation of transparency to come to this Parliament to publish, what was required as part of that a96 corridor review and that is what I've done today,” she concluded.
Labour MSP for the Highlands, Rhoda Grant - who recently supported our petition - said: “The cabinet secretary knows that the people of Nairn have been crying out for their bypass for decades with the town totally gridlocked at peak times.
“These promises to them have been broken. The people of Nairn need to understand today when they can expect their Bypass and dual carriageway to Inverness to be built.
“If the cabinet secretary delays providing that timeframe until the capital plan is published they'll have to wait a whole year for an update, and that’s simply not acceptable.”
Ms Hyslop replied: “Not only was I keen to make sure that we completed the statutory requirements on Inverness to Nairn including the in bypass dualling, but also Inshes to Smithton.
“That now enables Transport Scotland to purchase the land required to enable the work to be carried out. Also as part of our work on the Inverness to Nairn - consideration has to be given to the feasibility and attractiveness of combining with adjacent schemes to form larger contracts or splitting the scheme and delivering through smaller contracts - for example, the Nairn bypass.
“We also have to consider as we've set out at the public meeting that I attended in there and whether we we proceed on a design and build method or if we use a mutual investment model?
“We have already started the process of examining opportunities of a mutual investment model for parts of the A9, and I can reassure you that we're doing that same exercise in parallel for the Inverness to Nairn section of the A96. It's on completion that we can provide a reliable timetable.
“To do so in advance of that would be speculation because as our official said at the near public meeting and the timetable will depend on whether it's designed and built through capital or whether it's funded through a mutual investment model.”
Whilst asking for a timeline to be published as soon as possible, SNP Highland MSP, Emma Roddick, said she welcomed the Scottish Government’s renewed commitment to the dualling of the A96 between Inverness and Nairn.
Speaking after receiving a response to her Government Initiated Question, Ms Roddick acknowledged the Cabinet Secretary’s determination to deliver these “vital infrastructure” projects and stressed the importance of providing clear timelines and detailed plans to local communities.
She said: “The A96 dualling and Nairn Bypass are crucial for the Highlands. They will improve connectivity, boost economic growth, and enhance road safety for everyone.
"I am pleased to see the Cabinet Secretary reaffirming the government’s commitment to these projects and driving them forward."
Ms Roddick highlighted that residents and businesses have been waiting for progress on these projects for a considerable time.
"I’m glad that the commitment remains, but people need to know what to expect and when.
“It is right that the Nairn Bypass be given priority given the huge positive impact it could have on the town, and I will continue to press for this part of the project to be carried out as early as possible within the overall timeline.
"These projects will have a significant impact on communities along the route. It is essential that the Scottish Government engages with local people, listens to their feedback, and incorporates their views into the process.
"I will continue to press the Scottish Government for urgency and transparency on these vital infrastructure projects. The people of the Highlands deserve nothing less."
Ms Hyslop said: “ I am acutely aware of the requests of the people in Nairn. In May I attended a meeting organised by the local paper and it was clear to me from that experience that people want to see the Nairn Bypass completed first.
“Now, that has consequences - probably both in time and cost. But I recognise that the road that cuts through the town and causes delays for those who work there - and I also heard of the impact it has on schools such as Rosebank Primary. You can see the requirements to identify.
“The other aspect of that section of the dualling programme is looking at the type of procurement - that would determine the timetable, and whether we combine different contracts to make a larger contract or whether we split up the scheme and have separate, smaller contracts. That is possibly what we will have to do for the Nairn bypass. But that also has consequences”
