Dave Thompson MSP

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP, Dave Thompson has challenged Labour MSPs  Rhoda Grant, Peter Peacock, and David Stewart to say whether they support Labour's position of demanding the Glasgow Airport Rail Link is reinstated in the Scottish Government's budget.

Commenting Mr Thompson said: "I want to know whether Rhoda Grant, Peter Peacock, and David Stewart support Andy Kerr's position that GARL should be reinstated and, if they do, what investment do they think the Highlands can afford to do without as a result?

"The Labour Government in Westminster has cut Scotland's budget by £500 million next financial year and that has required the Scottish Government to find savings in turn. If Labour wants to continue with GARL they will have to identify savings elsewhere.

"That would inevitably mean cuts in crucial investment in other parts of the country. Is Labour therefore willing to sacrifice projects such as the safety improvements on the A9 and A82, in favour of Glasgow, which already has the highest funding per head of population of any mainland Scottish Council?

"I hope that our Labour colleagues will be able to reassure the public across this region that they are not willing to sacrifice Highland interests for political expediency."