ALEXANDER PUSHES FOR MORE INVESTMENT IN HIGHLAND INFRASTRUCTURE

27-Feb-2012

Kate Stephen and Danny Alexander are calling for the Scottish Government to invest in the much needed Inverness Airport rail link, making use of the additional funds provided the UK Government.

In the Autumn Statement, £400million extra funding was made available for infrastructure projects across Scotland; and several major Highland projects are now overdue. However plans laid out Transport Scotland's Infrastructure Investment Plan will prioritise major work in the Central Belt.

Last month, Highland MP Danny Alexander wrote to Alex Neil MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure & Capital Investment, following the Infrastructure Investment Plan set out by the Scottish Government at the end of 2011. In the letter Mr Alexander asks that they ‘take the real opportunity which they now have to put the situation right'.

Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey MP Danny Alexander says:

"Developing Highland infrastructure is essential for the future of the Highlands. Investing in good quality infrastructure now will benefit local businesses for years to come and will encourage more long-term investment from outside the Highlands – not to mention our communities who rely on visitors from across the globe.

"The Scottish Government has set aside £4billion for investment for transport in the Central Belt, while at the same time pushing Highland projects into the future. Timely investment in projects such as the Inverness and Nairn bypasses; and the airport rail link, will demonstrate that the Scottish Government takes the Highland views seriously."

Culloden & Ardersier Council Candidate Kate Stephen says:

"A platform at Dalcross has been planned for some time now. It's disappointing that the Scottish Government have taken the decision to delay the project for at least another term.

"The link would have an economic benefit to the whole area, not only those accessing the airport. Anyone commuting into the city from the surrounding area could use the station as a park & ride – increasing rail services between Nairn and Inverness; and easing congestion on the A96."

ENDS