‘Delays’, ‘self-congratulation’, ‘incompetence’, ‘disgust’ and ‘malpractice’ – A9 dualling rolls on as MSPs lambast the latest delay to the Tomatin to Moy section
“Delays”, “self-congratulation”, “incompetence”, “disgust” and the threat to refer Transport Scotland to the Auditor General “as an example of malpractice” – another week in the life of the A9 dualling programme
The Scottish Government wanted to get off to a running start to meet the new 2035 deadline after renewing A9 dualling programme in December 2023 – but it has stumbled at the very first hurdle.
MSPs from both the SNP and Conservatives have hit out at the latest announcement which revealed that the deadly Tomatin to Moy section will open in Spring 2028 not the winter of 2027 as planned.
Edward Mountain said that means “a possible delay of six months” while Fergus Ewing said “your readers know - and know only too very well - what loss of life has meant - something beyond price.”
Their reaction was strong because Tomatin to Moy has a bit of history. In February 2023 the government felt that £170 million was too expensive and it decided to wait until July when the final contract award was £185 million.
Delays are the last thing the government wanted but this week it was confirmed that “the expected dualling operational date is slightly later than the anticipated date of by the end of 2027.”
Fortunately, that will have “no effect on either the expected overall completion date of the A9 Dualling programme of the end of 2035, or on the expected dates of commencement of any of the procurements”.
Disgust
Scottish Conservative Highland MSP Edward Mountain reacted after receiving a letter from transport secretary Fiona Hyslop saying that there was no recognition that the delay was caused by government “incompetence”.
He said: “I am disgusted that the Scottish Government is slipping out a possible delay of six months to the dualling of the A9 at Tomatin.
“Spring 2028 could mean that the road is not operational until June 21, 2028. The Scottish Government cannot be trusted; it is their incompetence that is causing this.”
Malpractice
The SNP’s Fergus Ewing went even further suggesting that it could be a case for malpractice to be considered by the Auditor General of Scotland.
He said: “This work should have gone to procurement in 2021, three years ago. Had that happened, it would be due for completion in 2025, not 2028.
“So this work - though welcome - is three years too late. Not one word of apology, or even recognition has been uttered for this in the Scottish Government’s self congratulatory press output.
“Actually, given the new contract now shares the risks, the extra costs unlike the previous tender process, the real extra costs to the taxpayer are actually far far more than £15 million – perhaps £10 million or £20 million more.
“The bill to the taxpayer of Transport Scotland’s failure may be up to around £35 million. I will refer this matter to the Auditor General to consider as an example of malpractice.
“My job is to report the facts to ensure they are not glossed over to try and con the public. The lack of candour by the Scottish Government then - and now - continues to alienate the trust and confidence of people in the Highlands.
“Ultimately though, this is not just about money: this is a matter of life and death. It’s our turn for the Highlands to have major investment from the devolved parliament and it is my job to press for it and not be a party political patsy.”
No impact on 2035
Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop insisted that the delay to completing Tomatin to Moy will not have an impact on reaching the 2035 deadline.
She said: “The programme indicates that dualling is expected to become operational in Spring 2028, this date being potentially subject to change in the event of any extension of time being granted, such as due to the effects of exceptionally adverse weather.
“Whilst the expected dualling operational date is slightly later than the anticipated date of by the end of 2027, this will have no effect on either the expected overall completion date of the A9 Dualling programme of the end of 2035, or on the expected dates of commencement of any of the procurements within the A9 Dualling delivery plan.”