WATCH: Update on A96 Inverness-Nairn development expected in first quarter of 2024
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By Lewis McBlane and Federica Stefani
The First Minister said orders for the improvement scheme of the A96 between Nairn and Inverness – including the Nairn bypass – are due to be presented in the first part of 2024.
Humza Yousaf was asked by north east conservative MSP Liam Kerr during First Minister questions in Holyrood yesterday when the review of the A96 scheme will be published.
Mr Kerr said: “The new figures show that 11 people have died and 69 have been seriously injured in accidents on the A96 in the past four years.
“The Scottish Government promised in 2011 that it would be dualled by 2030, but that is now subject to a review at a cost of £5 million and whose publication has been delayed by more than a year.
“When will the review finally be published and will the Government ever dual this killer road?”
This comes as the A96 Corridor Review – which was due to be published in December 2022 – is more than one year late.
Commenting that the Scottish Government "remains absolutely committed" to improving the A96, Mr Yousaf replied that the 10 per cent cut to the Scottish Government's capital budget over the next five years "does not help".
He continued: “What Conservative members can’t do is come to this chamber, demand that we continue to invest in roads, and simultaneously cut our budget time and time and time again.
“The Minister for Transport is due, I know, to meet with members who have an interest in the A96 on January 25 and provide a more detailed update on the scheme, along with details about how the review is being undertaken on the wider A96 Corridor.
“However, in the interim, let me absolutely assure all members that preparation work continues at pace on the Inverness to Nairn, including the Nairn bypass, section.
“And I can advise that I expect orders for the scheme that will be made in the first quarter of 2024, with a view to completing the necessary statutory process.”
