MSPs Raise Concerns Over A9 Dualling Project Funding

Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have voiced apprehension regarding the potential insufficiency of funds for the £3 billion initiative to upgrade the A9 between Inverness and Perth to a dual carriageway by the target year of 2035. A recent report from a Holyrood committee indicated that disputes concerning financing had already “significantly” contributed to the failure to meet the initial completion deadline of 2025. Jackson Carlaw, the Convener and a Scottish Conservative MSP, stated that while there was “no conspiracy to frustrate” the road’s development, a deficit of scrutiny and attention had been evident. Transport Scotland communicated its reception of the report from the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee, affirming its intention to address the recommendations presented within it at an appropriate time. Over the last ten years, two segments of single carriageway, encompassing a total of 11 miles (18km) of road, have undergone upgrading. Approximately 77 miles (124km) of the project remain to be completed. The project has encountered setbacks due to delays and escalating expenses. It was disclosed earlier this month that the overall expenditure for improving a six-mile (10km) segment is projected to reach £308 million, representing an increase of £111 million beyond initial projections, and its completion is anticipated to be later than initially expected. The conversion of single carriageway sections into dual carriageways is intended to enhance travel durations and safety. The Inverness to Perth route recorded 13 fatalities in 2022, marking the highest count in two decades. Mr. Carlaw conveyed that the committee’s sympathies were extended to the individuals who had perished on the A9. He further stated that the committee found a distinct lack of clarity regarding the project’s funding availability, which had led to postponements. Additionally, Mr. Carlaw criticized the Scottish government and its agency, Transport Scotland, for their perceived lack of transparency concerning the obstacles to completing the undertaking. Speaking to BBC Scotland News, he remarked: “There was no smoking gun – the delay isn’t down to some insidious conspiracy to frustrate the road, but there was a complete lack of transparency and clarity about the funding of this road.” Mr. Carlaw expressed concern that further delays, similar to those affecting the Moy-Tomatin section, could recur and jeopardize the completion of the entire project. The committee advocates for the implementation of procedures to ensure that issues encountered by significant projects are promptly identified, alongside the establishment of a new committee to oversee the A9 dualling. Furthermore, it has advised that provisions be made for a memorial dedicated to those who have lost their lives on the route. Mr. Carlaw characterized the fatalities as the “underlining tragedy” stemming from the delays, suggesting that politicians should collectively bear shame for failing to deliver the upgrade. A spokesperson for Transport Scotland stated: “Transport Scotland welcomes the final report received from the committee and will take the appropriate time to consider and respond to the recommendations set out in the report.” MSPs collected evidence for more than two years following the submission of a petition by campaigner Laura Hansler, representing the A9 Dual Action Group. Ms. Hansler urged for the project’s completion as initially pledged and for the establishment of a national memorial for individuals who have died. Ms. Hansler asserted that there had been a “dragging of feet” concerning the financing for the enhancements. She commented: “I am infuriated by some of the things in the findings. “I think it proves time and again that not only have we been disrespected but there is complete disinterest in the people of the Highlands and Islands.” She further added: “I am very concerned too that it (2035 target) won’t be met.” “To this day we still only have 11 miles delivered.” Among those who provided testimony to the inquiry were former first ministers Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. During her appearance before the committee in May, Ms. Sturgeon expressed regret that the initial objective could not be achieved. She clarified that her apology was not due to the SNP or the Scottish government having “messed up,” but rather because the £3 billion project had encountered substantial difficulties outside their influence, such as those arising from Brexit and the Covid pandemic. Earlier, Mr. Salmond had informed the committee that completing the dualling was a matter of “integrity and honour” for the Scottish government. He stated that the SNP cabinet he headed in 2011 had held the belief that the road upgrade between Inverness and Perth could be finalized by 2025. The Scottish Conservatives characterized the committee’s report as “damning.” MSP Sue Webber commented: “The A9 is the backbone of Scotland, and every day that these essential upgrades are delayed, more lives are put at risk and costs continue to skyrocket.” “Rural communities and businesses across Scotland need action from this SNP government and they must finally fully dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness.”