WATCH EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Transport Minister apologises for A9 dualling failure
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Exclusive: Transport minister Jenny Gilruth has apologised to the people of the north of Scotland after the Scottish Government failed to dual the A9 by the 2025 deadline.
In an exclusive interview with Highland News & Media, Ms Gilruth said: “I recognise the frustration here and I do apologise to the communities in the north of Scotland, it should have been done by now and it will be done.”
Outspoken Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing applauded her stance saying: “I welcome the fact that the transport minister has had the guts to apologise because the Scottish Government performance cannot be defended.”
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Ms Gilruth’s statement came after a debate this week aimed at guaranteeing regular progress updates on the A9 and seeking to compel the Scottish Government to “urgently” bring forward a new timetable.
There was some sympathy for Ms Gilruth – the seventh transport minister since the 2007 dualling promise was made – as she has been left in the words of Highland Conservative MSP Edward Mountain “carrying the can.”
She revealed she was first told about the 2025 deadline being unachievable towards the start of December and waited to discover the fate of the Tomatin to Moy tendering process to give a complete update to parliament.
Ms Gilruth said: “Of course, I apologise to the communities across the north of Scotland. I very much recognise how important this road is for people in the north of scotland for businesses, for local communities and it is imperative that we do go ahead with dualling.
“I recognise the frustration here and I do apologise to the communities in the north of Scotland, it should have been done by now and it will be done. That is why I have committed to come back to parliament with an update timescale later this year.”
Mr Ewing was the sole SNP member to back a motion calling for an urgent new timescale, unlike MSPs Maree Todd, Emma Roddick, Ms Gilruth herself and leadership hopeful Humza Yousaf.
