Murdo Fraser MSP has demanded assurances from the SNP Government that they won’t “ditch” the £3 billion A9 dualling scheme once they have formed their expected coalition with the Scottish Greens.
The Scottish Conservative politician fears that pressure may be put on the SNP to cancel the vital dualling programme to appease the Scottish Greens.
Commenting, Mr Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said: “I am deeply concerned that this ‘coalition of chaos,’ as it has been dubbed, could lead to the A9 Perth to Inverness scheme being ditched to curry favour with the Scottish Greens. Patrick Harvie MSP, the co-leader of the Scottish Greens, has previously voiced his opposition to continuing with the A9 dualling programme and the worry is that the SNP will consider this as part of their coalition deal with the Greens.
“The A9 programme is progressing well and has reached the stage of a new bridge at the Stanley/Tullybelton junction being set to open next month. It would be a travesty and a massive blow for those of us who have campaigned for the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness to be told that the project is either on hold or may be ditched.
“I am demanding assurances from the SNP Government that this won’t happen.”