Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant backs Caithness Roads Recovery group in calling for action on potholes across the far north
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A NORTH MSP has asked the Scottish Government what it plans to do to tackle the state of the roads in Caithness and and north-west Sutherland.
Rhoda Grant, the Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands, wrote to finance secretary Kate Forbes after giving her backing to the Caithness Roads Recovery campaign. Mrs Grant has also written to Highland Council to ask about the predicted cost of road repairs in the far north and across the region.
She told Ms Forbes about the campaign group's request for emergency funding and asked what assessment the government has made of road repairs and what it was going to do to tackle the problem.
Mrs Grant said: "Congratulations to the community for starting this action, as it’s an issue that affects us all, whether a driver, a pedestrian, biker or cyclist.
"It’s quite eye-opening to see the photos taken by residents in each area. I do worry that it won’t be damaged wheels and tyres, but people may be injured.
"With spring nearly upon us, and people getting out and about a bit more, large potholes and crumbling road surfaces are being seen across the region.
"And, with many people considering a staycation this year, these roads are likely to face increased traffic. While we want to encourage tourists we must also ensure that the infrastructure to cope with them is in place."
She added: "I completely understand that the local authority may be struggling to catch up with services after coping with the pandemic and they certainly won’t have extra cash on a handy money tree.
"I am hoping that the government don’t come back with the usual response, that it’s totally up to Highland Council to manage the budget."
Caithness Roads Recovery was launched by Iain Gregory and Helen Campbell amid growing concern over the extent of potholes and deteriorating carriageways across the far north.
They are seeking to highlight the condition of roads in Caithness and north-west Sutherland and exert pressure regionally and nationally for "substantial investment".
The group says the level of support in its first week was "overwhelming" – and now wants to know what the decision-makers are going to do to tackle the problems.
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