Alexander Burnett MSP has labelled the Scottish Government’s Budget announcement as “economic vandalism” after Shona Robison confirmed funding will not be given for the full dualling of the A96 in the upcoming year.
In her Budget speech in the Scottish Parliament today, finance secretary Shona Robison announced that only “key sections” of the A96 will now be brought forward.
The announcement was met by jeers in the chamber, marking 15 years since the SNP promised to dual the A96 in full.
It now puts the upgrade of sections between Inverurie and the East of Huntly, as well as parts of Moray, into major doubt.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Alexander Burnett, said: “The Scottish Government’s refusal to include funding for the full dualling of the A96 is a shot of economic vandalism to the North East.
“This Budget was the chance for the SNP to put an end to 15 years of funding failures and false promises since they first pledged to upgrade the road in 2011.
“But this shameful decision could now be the difference between life or death on a road that is one of the most dangerous in Scotland.
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“The SNP have wasted years upon years trying to find endless excuses not to fulfil their pledge and this one is another to add to that long list.
“John Swinney’s political games on the A96 are harming livelihoods, risking safety, hampering our emergency services and putting off potential investors in our economy.”
In her speech, Shona Robison said: “We will take forward dualling of key sections of the A96.”
