The dualling of the A9 and A96 has been thrown into doubt after Nicola Sturgeon, questioned in the Scottish Parliament earlier today, failed to commit to completing both projects in full and within the projects’ target timescales.
Speculation on the future upgrading of both roads has grown in recent days after press reports quoting industry sources said the A9 plans would be pushed back from their scheduled completion in 2025 to “nearer 2030” while the A96 scheme, due to be finished by 2030, could be downsized or “delayed indefinitely”.
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston, who questioned the First Minister, said: “Nicola Sturgeon’s refusal to commit to her own Government’s pledges on the A9 and A96 is potentially devastating news for my region.
“The question was simple – would she commit to work being completed on deadline and in full. The answer should have been a simple ‘yes’. But she wasn’t prepared to give that commitment.
“Her evasive answers cannot be left to stand. Nicola Sturgeon has to make clear – without any attempt to dissemble - whether or not the SNP stand by their commitments to the people of the Highlands and Islands to deliver this vital projects on time and in full.
“Local people across the Highlands and Islands are becoming ever more infuriated by the deteriorating state of the local trunk road network, and any further delay in upgrading these two key projects risks costing investment, livelihoods and, worst of all, lives”.
