Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston is backing the call of Moray councillor Tim Eagle for a review of the A95 and its importance for Moray’s economy.
Councillor Eagle, the Scottish Conservative candidate for Moray in the 2021 Scottish parliament elections, made the suggestion after speaking with staff at Transport Scotland to discuss the Second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2).
Councillor Eagle said: “Many of Moray’s most important businesses are located in Speyside and are utterly reliant on the A95 to reach their markets.
“Our transport infrastructure has been neglected for too long, and that for all the focus on dualling the A96, which is still years away from completion, there is a real danger that the importance of the A95 is being overlooked.
“At the end of the day, our most important markets are located to the south, in the rest of the UK, and we need to see attention paid to that otherwise our businesses will be placed at a competitive disadvantage.”
Mr Halcro Johnston backed Cllr Eagle’s call.
He said: “STPR2, which is currently up for discussion, should provide an opportunity to explore the importance of upgrading the A95.
“The prime minister has been at pains to emphasise the importance of strengthening the transport links between the north of the country and the south and it is critical that the Scottish Government plays it part as well as the UK Government.
“There are vast opportunities for Moray businesses, many of which have world-beating reputations, but they need roads which match the quality of their products if they are to operate on an equal footing with their competitors.”
