Douglas Ross MP
Conservative Member for Moray
MP presses for “Snow Road” bridge replacement to be brought forward
Moray MP Douglas Ross is pressing for the construction of a new bridge over the River Gairn in Aberdeenshire to be brought forward. Restrictions have been placed on the existing bridge, which was built in 1751, limiting the weight of vehicles, such as coaches, that can use it. This has been raised with Douglas by local businesses who have seen the number of coaches coming to Tomintoul reduce as this route is no longer open to them.
Commenting Douglas said: “The Gairnshiel Bridge lies on the A939 which is being promoted as major tourism route and brings visitors to Tomintoul but local businesses have raised their concerns with me that restrictions on the bridge have led to a decline in footfall. This is a serious matter as Tomintoul is highly dependent on tourism and the weight restriction on the current bridge means larger coaches can no longer come through Aberdeenshire and into Moray this way. I hope the crossing can be upgraded to allow it to, once again, take larger vehicles to and from Moray.
“I recently wrote to Aberdeenshire Council asking for an update on their plans for the bridge and have been advised that a replacement will take at least four years to approve, design and build. I’m encouraged that a cross-party group of Aberdeenshire Councillors are working on a solution but I don’t believe we should have to wait until 2022 at the earliest for a resolution to this problem which is why I’m urging Aberdeenshire council to explore the possibility of bringing the work programme forward.”