Tory MSP criticises call for A9 money to be used for railways
A Scottish Conservative regional MSP has criticised two Independent MSPs after they supported a motion calling on the Scottish Government to transfer funding committed to upgrading the A9 to be spent on rail infrastructure.
Mary Scanlon, an MSP for the Highlands and Islands, has been critical of the actions by former SNP politicians John Finnie and Jean Urquhart.
She said: "I have campaigned for many years for a reduction in train journey times from Inverness to the Central Belt and any improvements by either the former Labour/Lib Dem government or the current SNP one have been negligible so while I would welcome any increase in funding for this rail project, it cannot be at the expense of upgrading the A9.
"I’m shocked and quite frankly disappointed that two MSPs who were elected as SNP members and now sit as Independents should even consider halting the project to upgrade the A9.
"It is a road that has claimed many lives and one which people and businesses across the Highlands feel acts as a barrier to greater investment to Inverness and the rest of the Highlands.
"There has always been cross-party support amongst all Highlands and Islands MSPs to upgrade of this road, however this is now not the case. It’s very disappointing that this national project to improve this road no longer has the unanimous support of all Highlands MSPs.
"It will be for John and Jean to explain to their constituents why they believe that the money earmarked for upgrading the A9 should no longer be spent on this vital road for the Highlands but I will continue to press for the improvements and dualling of this road to progress as quickly as possible."
