Emma Roddick presses Transport Secretary on Nairn Bypass

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has urged the Scottish Government to provide the earliest possible timeline for the construction of the Nairn Bypass, highlighting its critical importance for local residents and commuters.

Speaking in Parliament, Ms Roddick stressed that the Inverness-Nairn section of the A96, which includes the bypass, is the most urgent infrastructure investment needed in the area, and called for tangible progress on the project to be made visible to her constituents.

The MSP noted that the traffic idling in the centre of Nairn, an unavoidable route for many HGVs, ambulances, and commuters, is causing unnecessary pollution and frustration as it passes key pedestrian routes, including Rosebank Primary School.

Emma Roddick said:

“I regularly travel the stretch of road through Nairn, and it is clear to anyone passing through that this bypass is desperately needed for the community. The current situation is unhelpful to the amenity of the town and brings frustration and pollution to the centre.

“I welcome the focus on the A96 dualling, but the most urgent priority for Inverness and Nairn must be the construction of this bypass, which is the most advanced project compared to the wider A96 review. I will continue to press the Cabinet Secretary to provide an earliest possible timeline for construction.

“Visible works are the best way to reassure constituents and ensure that future developments in the area, such as new housing and infrastructure associated with the nearby Freeport, do not worsen the road situation for the people of Nairn.”

The government’s amendment in the debate outlined that it was committed to dualling the A96.

Emma’s full contribution is available at: https://youtu.be/WdG9AOBCFqo?si=28b5O4Zl6QqSJeXE