Call from Caithness business chief for government action to address shortage of bitumen

A CAITHNESS business chief has called on the Scottish and UK governments to find "a swift resolution" to the shortage of bitumen – one of the products needed for road resurfacing – which is said to be affecting councils and contractors all over the country.

Trudy Morris, the chief executive of the Caithness Chamber of Commerce, also wants Holyrood and Westminster to provide additional support to local authorities to enable them to source alternative supplies of bitumen which is not being imported due to trade sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Longer term, she says a strategic plan should be drawn up to ensure "the continued supply of vital raw materials such as bitumen and steel."

Ms Morris said: "The lack of availability of bitumen for roads resurfacing is an issue which we understand is affecting not just Highland Council but local authorities and private contractors across the whole of the UK. It is yet another example of how the horrific war in the Ukraine is having much wider ramifications for the global economy, with very real impacts on people’s day-to-day lives.

"It is concerning that this shortage of raw materials is likely to have a material impact on our local roads network, large portions of which are clearly in need of repair. Indeed, the longer we find ourselves waiting for a solution to this problem, the further the road network will deteriorate and the greater the expenditure required to bring it back up to standard.

"However, this is an issue which is beyond the reach of any local authority to resolve. We have heard much over the past weeks and months of the need for energy independence in light of the consequences of dependence on Russian oil and gas, but there has been less focus on raw material costs and availability, which are equally important to businesses in the north Highlands.

She added: "This is ultimately a matter for the Scottish and UK Governments to resolve, and it is one which requires swift resolution. As an immediate step, we would like to see a package of additional support to local authorities to enable them to source alternative supplies of bitumen and to offset the increased costs this is likely to incur. In the longer term, a strategic plan to ensure the continued supply of vital raw materials such as bitumen and steel should be drawn up, to help mitigate against future geopolitical events and consequent supply chain shocks."

A spokesman for Highland Council said: "Following an initial supply issue the industry has sourced product and have confirmed that supplies are available and this was restored at the beginning of May. One direct result of the re-sourcing and supply issues is that the price of bitumen and bitumen products have risen substantially and we are currently assessing how this may be accommodated while still delivering the programme approved at committee."

The Groat contacted a roads contractor for a comment but did not get a response.

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