Rural communities in Caithness 'sidelined and excluded' as dualled A9 delayed to 2035
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A Scottish Government promise to finally dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2035 shows disdain for rural communities, a Caithness business leader has claimed.
The long-awaited updated timetable for the project, which had originally been scheduled for completion in 2025, was announced on Wednesday by transport secretary Mairi McAllan. The update came after the government admitted in February that its original promised deadline was unachievable.
Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, also pointed out that – as previously revealed by the John O’Groat Journal – 10 out of the 11 most dangerous single-carriageway sections of the trunk road are north of Inverness, with no further investment announced for these sections.
She told the Groat: “Recent announcements that the dualling of the A9 from Perth to Inverness will now be delayed by a further decade is unacceptable, but not unexpected given the situation.
“Repeatedly failing on manifesto commitments, government once again demonstrates how low our rural communities rank in centrally-made investment decisions.
“The A9 is an increasingly busy and dangerous lifeline route, connecting rural communities to markets and opportunities. This news will be met with resounding anger and incredulity from businesses and communities across the region, who no doubt will have been hoping for a shorter deadline and are already disillusioned by the ever-increasing delays.
“However, 10 of the 11 most dangerous single-carriageway sections of the A9 are north of Inverness and there is little or no mention of any resolve here.
“In Caithness, we have women in active labour forced to travel some 110 miles south on the A9, a risk in itself – not to mention the inadequate road conditions.
“Whilst we appreciate the budgetary challenges of government, lives are being put at risk and rural communities are sidelined and excluded. Viable transport infrastructure is a crucial component in the prosperity and sustainability of the north Highland region.”
Transport Scotland says the delivery plan for the Perth to Inverness dualling involves a rolling programme of construction, with dualled sections opened progressively.
It expects almost half of the road to be dualled by the end of 2030, rising to 85 per cent by the end of 2033, and the final section opened by the end of 2035.
Ms McAllan said on Wednesday: "I am aware that today’s announcement has been keenly anticipated by many, especially those concerned to see safety benefits secured on the route and by the many Scottish communities and businesses for whom the A9 is essential.
"This programme has faced challenges and I acknowledge that it has not progressed at the pace we would have liked. However, the A9 is the backbone of Scotland. It must be safe, reliable and resilient as possible – and that’s what the Scottish Government will deliver.”
Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Maree Todd welcomed the statement and the revised timetable, which included plans to begin construction on the Tomatin to Moy section next year, with completion by 2027.
“This is a positive step towards advancing one of the largest infrastructure programmes ever undertaken in Scotland,” she said.
“I fully sympathise with my constituents’ frustrations over the delay to the programme. Too many lives have tragically been lost on the A9, and dualling the road is crucial to improving road safety, reducing casualties, and preventing fatalities.”
The total cost of the dualling programme is now estimated at £3.7 billion at April 2023 prices.
