Speaking after Laura Hansler from the A9 Dual Action Group appeared before the Scottish Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee today, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
"It was good to see the A9 Dual Action Group in Parliament today highlighting this vitally important issue and the Scottish Government’s failure to progress it.
“We have waited far too long for the promised dualling of the A9 to be delivered, and it is unacceptable that communities across the Highlands and Islands that rely on the road have been left with no clarity of when – or even, if – this vital project will be completed.
"While I was unable to be at the committee session today due to my own Economy Committee meeting at the same time, I fully support the group’s efforts as they continue to push for progress on this vital issue.
“We cannot afford any further delays or excuses, and this is an issue that needs a dedicated focus and driving from the top of government.
“However, we’re not even halfway through the year and the SNP have just appointed their third Transport Minister of 2023 already.
“While I welcome the new Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop, to her role, she has a big job on her hands to restore my constituents' confidence that the Scottish Government really are committed to delivering this project in full as promised.
“To have any chance of being convinced, we need to see a new timescale and costings for dualling the A9 between Inverness and Perth published by Scottish ministers at the very earliest opportunity”.
