Murdo has slammed the SNP for “more delays and more broken promises” in their dualling programme for the A9 Perth to Inverness road.
He recently raised the issue with Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, following her Ministerial Statement on A9 Dualling: Programme for 2035 Completion, at the Scottish Parliament.
Speaking during the debate, Murdo said: “We are already 10 years behind schedule on the A9 dualling and many lives have been lost in the meantime. I hope this latest announcement will not turn out to be yet another broken promise from this SNP Government for people in Perthshire and the Highlands.
“In her statement, the Cabinet Secretary said that there are projects in the north section which have been brought forward. Is that at the expense of any projects in the south section, and, if so, which are they?”
In her response, the Cabinet Secretary admitted this was the case, describing the Glen Garry to Crubenmore project as “an adjustment,” and stating it will now go to procurement in Autumn 2027, with the contract being awarded in the summer of 2028.
Speaking after the A9 dualling debate, Murdo commented: “I was extremely disappointed when the Cabinet Secretary confirmed to me that there will be a delay to the completion of the Glen Garry to Crubenmore stretch of the A9 compared to what was previously promised.
“This means more delays impacting Perthshire residents and yet more broken promises.
“Warm words from the SNP about completing the whole project by 2035 will mean nothing if they don’t deliver on this promise. Time will tell.”
