Autumn 2023 Is Over! Where Is The New Timetable To Complete The A9?

9th December 2023

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant is perplexed at the newly published National Transport Strategy Delivery Plan by Transport Scotland especially where it states that they expect to update Parliament on the A9 completion timetable in Autumn 2023.

The MSP was yesterday assured by the Scottish Government through a Written Parliamentary Question that the season of Autumn "is not defined beyond commonly understood" terms however, today the Scottish Government have contradicted themselves and said that they will update the Scottish Parliament on the A9 programme for completion in Autumn 2023.

In the publication (page 17) it says: "Work to determine the most suitable procurement options for the remaining sections of the A9 dualling is now well advanced and we expect to update Parliament on a new programme to completion in Autumn 2023."

Additionally, the regional MSP has submitted an FOI into Transport Scotland to enquire whether land has been purchased for the A96 Nairn Bypass as this publication has led her to believe that compulsory purchases have not began yet.

In the publication (page 17) it says: "We also continue to take forward the preparation stages for dualling the A96 from Inverness to Nairn as well as a bypass of Nairn with a view to completing the statutory authorisation process. This includes the significant ongoing and intensive work required to prepare for publication of Made Orders, including the Compulsory Purchase Order."

Rhoda Grant MSP says: "Autumn is over! Yet here we are being told that Parliament will be updated on the A9 completion timetable in Autumn 2023. I am shocked especially as I was told yesterday that there is no definition beyond those commonly understood.

“This may be an oversight by the Scottish Government but regardless it highlights their lack of understanding on the importance of this project. We have seen nothing but delays and missed deadlines!

“On the A96 Nairn Bypass, I have enquired whether land has been compulsory purchased as again, we cannot afford to see further delays to this project. A bypass has been necessary for years!"