Dave Thompson MSP

Opposition should apologise for wasting money

Commenting before tonight’s debate on dualling the A9 Highlands & Islands MSP Dave Thompson said the SNP Government was the first government to commit to dualling the A9 and that progress had already been made with investment of £50 million and works in key sections underway.

Mr Thompson made clear that progress could have been made more quickly had opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament not voted to spend over £500 million on the trams in Edinburgh.  The SNP manifesto in 2007 committed to cancelling the trams, a move defeated by Tory, Labour and Lib Dem politicians diverting potential investment from the A9.

Commenting Mr Thompson said: "The SNP is committed to dualling the A9 from Perth to Inverness and has already started doing so on a phased basis. Already we are fast tracking the work to extend the dualled section on the A9 at Crubenmore.

“The SNP is the only Government to make this commitment and to see work started on this vital route.

"The A9 is a key artery in Scotland's transport network and it is vital that we continue to invest in improvements to the road on a continuing and progressive basis.

“Opposition politicians who are calling for its dualling should recognise that ongoing commitment. In addition they should also explain why they all voted to spend 500 million on trams the people of Edinburgh didn’t even want ahead of investing that money in scheme like dualling the A9 that would save lives.

“Whilst it is welcome that opposition politicians like Murdo Fraser agree with the SNP on the importance of dualling the A9 they must apologise to the people of the Highlands and Perthshire for siphoning off cash which could have contributed to improving the A9.”