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The A9 - for the Inverness Courier
Before I begin I would like to express my deepest of condolences to all those affected by the recent tragic accidents on the A9, my thoughts go out to the friends and families who have lost loved ones in recent weeks.
The latest spell of fatal accidents on the road, once again, brings into sharp focus the urgent need for dualling work to commence on the A9.
The 113.4 mile road has sadly long been renowned for the high number of crashes that occur on the stretch and unfortunately, plans for its dualling have been plagued by a series of delays, with the current date for commencement scheduled for 2017 and full completion not timetabled until 2025.
However there is growing pressure from residents, businesses and politicians alike, calling for acceleration to these plans, myself among them.
There have been an increasing number of people using the A9 and as this number continues to grow, work to make the entire road dual carriage way needs to be a high priority.
Whilst I understand that this is a challenging and complex project, indeed on completion it will have been one of the largest in Scotland, there is no escaping the fact that work needs to begin sooner rather than later to prevent further tragedies. Sadly, for every year that passes by without action, we will endure more and more serious and fatal accidents on this road.
The benefits of this project will also have a large impact on the Highland economy, as at the moment there is a missed opportunity. A road that isn’t fit for purpose is what residents and tourists rely upon to connect the highlands with much of the central belt. After all, it isn’t known as the spine of Scotland for nothing.
The completion of this project could potentially cut journey times and generate huge amounts for the Highland economy, particularly in tourism, with some suggesting the figure could be up to £1 billion.
During the Autumn Statement in November last year, an extra £433million was given by the UK Government to the Scottish Government to invest in Scotland's infrastructure and I would like to see some of this money being used to improve this incredibly important yet dangerous road as a matter of urgency.
Every year that goes by without upgrade work on the A9 will claim more lives, cause more accidents and continue to hold back the Highland economy. This is something I have long campaigned on and shall continue to do so until we see the upgrade timetable brought forward.
A highland welcome for the Olympic Torch
I was delighted to be able to welcome the Olympic torch to the Highlands with my family and thousands of spectators on Saturday 9th and Monday 11th June. It was a spectacular sight to see so many people line the streets to support the Olympic Torch and Torchbearers.
It was also a great opportunity to show the world the Highlands and everyone involved did a fantastic job in giving the Torch a true Highland welcome to remember.
On Saturday, the relay began in Fort Augustus before working its way up to Drumnadrochit, continuing along the shores of Loch Ness and through the streets of Inverness before finishing at the Northern Meeting Park where a free celebratory concert was held.
The torch then revisited Inverness on Monday 11th June before heading into Aviemore, Carrbridge and Grantown.
There were a number of worthy Torchbearers carrying the torch on its journey, all of whom had been selected for the positive work they do, and I would like to congratulate them all.
However, in particular I would like to pass on my congratulations to Sandra Ross, Lorna Smith, Moyra Brook, Lee MacDonald, Robbie Young and Hugh Merrell. All of whom were nominated to run with the Torch on its visit to the Highlands for the fantastic work and great attitudes they have demonstrated in the constituency.
As the opening ceremony of the Olympics grows closer I hope that everyone is looking forward to the games and will get behind our athletes for this momentous occasion.
Posted on: 18/06/2012
