Highlands & Islands MSP says she shares Highlanders’ frustrations with A9 dualling delay

Highlands & Islands MSP has said that she shares the frustrations of her constituents in the Highlands following the news that the procurement for the Tomatin to Moy section of the A9 dualling project is to be delayed after it only received one tender submission.

Ms Roddick pressed the Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth, to provide her constituents with reassurance on the Scottish Government’s commitment to the project and to the people of the Highlands.

Ms Gilruth told her the Scottish Government’s commitment was ‘unwavering’ and that it was continuing to assess the attractiveness of its contracts and how collaboration between Transport Scotland and contractors could be improved.

Commenting, Ms Roddick said:

“I, like many across the Highlands, am concerned and bitterly disappointed with the news of a further delay to the A9 dualling project and this is an issue I will continue to raise with the Scottish Government.

“It will be hard for locals to believe that the project will go ahead in the face of another delay, and I’m clear that the Scottish Government needs to convince them with action, not just words. 

“The A9 is a road I am very familiar with.  I’ve known people who have died in accidents, and I understand well folks’ concerns that further delays will lead to further deaths.  It is imperative that a contract for the Tomatin to Moy section is awarded as soon as possible and we see real progress on dualling and improving safety on the A9.”