[Scottish Parliament, 02.10.2024] Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has criticised comments by Glasgow SNP MSP John Mason calling for A9 funding to be redirected away from the dualling project.
Mr Halcro Johnston said:
“I am astonished by John Mason's suggestion that funds allocated for the A9 dualling should be diverted elsewhere. The A9 is a lifeline for the Highlands, and improving it has been a long-standing, although still undelivered, commitment by the SNP.
“Communities in the Highlands have been waiting for this project for nearly two decades, and it is vital for the safety, connectivity, and economic wellbeing of our communities. This call by a Glasgow SNP MSP to abandon this critical investment is simply unacceptable.
“John Mason's comments demonstrate just how detached the central-belt focused SNP is from the needs of people in the Highlands and Islands. They seem to forget that we have unique challenges here in the Highlands and require investment in both infrastructure and housing. The A9 dualling is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
“Of course, we need more money for housing, especially in the Highlands and Islands, where the lack of affordable homes is a major issue. And that there were no new homes built in Orkney and Shetland over the past year is an appalling record and reflects the SNP's failure to address the housing crisis in our rural and island communities.
“But it is not an either/or situation. The Scottish Government must keep its promise to dual the A9, while also investing in the housing that our communities desperately need. They have had 17 years to get it right, but have spent that time getting it wrong.
“This SNP government cannot keep letting down the people of the Highlands and Islands. They need to stop the excuses, fulfil their commitment to both housing and infrastructure projects, and get the A9 dualled”.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
John Mason’s comments are available here: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/meeting-of-parliament-01-10-2024?meeting=16026&iob=136836#:~:text=John%20Mason%20(Glasgow,million%20charitable%20bonds.
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