John Swinney has been urged to visit a community “cut off” by a two-year bridge closure to deliver lifeline funding so it can reopen.
Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett has written to the First Minister over fears Aboyne Bridge will remain closed unless Scottish Government funding is given for its repair.
In parliament on Wednesday, the Scottish Conservatives lead a members’ business debate from Tim Eagle MSP on “Supporting Scotland’s Bridges”.
During this, Mr Burnett raised concerns about Aboyne Bridge, which closed to vehicles in 2023 due to “significant structural issues,” but remains open to pedestrians.
However, businesses in the area say they are seeing a drop in trade, with residents feeling isolated and drivers forced to add 20 miles to their journey to reach the other side.
Aberdeenshire has more than 200 bridges requiring repairs, restoration or major refurbishment.
Including Aboyne, there are 28 prioritised bridges where major works is required which would cost an estimated £65m.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Alexander Burnett, said: “The ongoing closure to Aboyne Bridge is blighting livelihoods, causing significant inconvenience for people getting to work, seeing family and having access to our beautiful countryside.
“Enough is enough.
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“This is not an ask; it is now a demand for John Swinney to come up to Aboyne to help rectify this intolerable situation which has left residents cut off.
“At the heart of this problem is the Scottish Government’s chronic underfunding of Aberdeenshire Council, leaving the local authority scraping for money to fix our crumbling infrastructure.
“I hope John Swinney will at least accept my invitation to visit the Fix Aboyne Bridge Community Action Group to explain why the Scottish Government has so far refused to provide lifeline support for reopening this essential bridge.”
