Inverness, Scotland – SNP MSP Fergus Ewing has expressed his frustrations with the delays and uncertainties surrounding the A9 dualling project. Following a series of fatal accidents in March, Ewing penned a letter to transport secretary Fiona Hyslop, raising concerns about the Scottish Government’s commitment to the road improvement program.

The month of March proved to be particularly tragic on the A9, with multiple deaths and injuries leaving families devastated. Ewing highlighted the cases of Roy Bannerman, James Noble, and a 90-year-old man who lost their lives in separate accidents. The incidents culminated in a three-vehicle crash that left a 10-year-old girl in critical condition.

Ewing’s letter expressed doubts about the government’s pledge to complete the A9 dualling project by 2035. He questioned the feasibility of the plan, especially considering the track record of broken promises regarding road improvements in the region. Ewing emphasized the need for concrete action to address the safety concerns on the A9.

One of Ewing’s main concerns was the conditional nature of the government’s commitment, which hinges on factors like market conditions and funding availability. He argued that the funding allocated for the project should be sufficient, given the significant budget allocated to capital expenditure in Scotland.

In response to Ewing’s letter, Hyslop acknowledged the challenges ahead but reiterated the government’s commitment to the 2035 deadline. She emphasized the ambitious nature of the project and assured stakeholders that every effort would be made to meet the targets set for the A9 dualling.

Ewing’s plea to remove the caveats and uncertainties surrounding the A9 dualling project reflects the urgency felt by many in the community. With safety concerns mounting and tragic accidents occurring on the road, the need for swift and decisive action is more apparent than ever.

As discussions continue between Ewing, Hyslop, and other stakeholders, the fate of the A9 dualling project remains uncertain. The ball is now in the government’s court to address the concerns raised by Ewing and ensure that the commitments made to improve the A9 are fulfilled without delay or compromise.