Dave Thompson MSP

SKYE, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson has welcomed news of the Scottish Government plan to upgrade the full length of the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2025.

“I am delighted the SNP Scottish Government has come out with a plan to dual the A9 completely between Perth and Inverness by 2025, which is a relatively short period for a project of this size,” said Mr Thompson. “Bringing forward a £600 million project in the current tight financial environment demonstrates clearly the commitment of the SNP to making this route safer by taking steps to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities.

“I am sure all will welcome this extremely positive step to boost the economy of the North of Scotland, particularly the area’s important tourism sector.

“I hope politicians of all parties, and I include the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, will be able to join me in welcoming this important improvement to the area’s infrastructure.

Note:

Scottish Government release:

Attn: NEWSDESKS

TRANSPORT / POLITICAL / HIGHLAND CORRESPONDENTS

A9 REPORTS WELCOMED - DUALLING WOULD BRING ECONOMIC BOOST

Welcoming reports that Scottish ministers are to set out plans to complete the dualling of the A9 from Perth to Inverness by 2025 SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire Pete Wishart and Highlands MSP John Finnie said this was another example of the SNP’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure across the country.

The SNP is the only party with a commitment to dualling the A9 and to have made progress on improving the road with £50 million already spent and action taken on key areas like the Ballinluig junction and dualling the road at Crubenmore.

MP for Perth and North Perthshire Pete Wishart said;

“These reports are a welcome sign of the SNP’s continued commitment to improving the A9 and links to the north of Scotland.

“The SNP has already made progress on the A9 and to complete the dualling would be a huge investment and major commitment to the economy of the north of Scotland.

“For too long people in Perthshire and the Highlands have had to face single carriageways and a higher risk of accidents.

“I look forward to next week’s infrastructure plan and hope we will see a clear plan for the A9.

Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie said:

“As one of Europe’s fastest growing cities improving the transport links to Inverness is essential.

“This would be a major win for the North of Scotland.

“The SNP has an excellent track record of improving infrastructure across the country with the completion of the M74 and progress on the M8.

“Where opposition parties have spent years grumbling the SNP is the only party to take action to improve the A9 with over £50 million invested already.

“To dual the A9 would bring a major boost to the Highland economy and I hope that these reports come to fruition next week with a clear statement on the future of the A9.”