A9 dualling project: First Minister hopeful Ash Regan issues apology
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SNP leadership candidate Ash Regan has apologised for the party's failure to complete the dualling of the A9 between Inverness and Perth by 2025.
She claims her apology is on behalf of the SNP.
It comes after transport secretary Jenny Gilruth told the Inverness Courier she was sorry for the delays in an exclusive interview.
Earlier this month Ms Gilruth described the A9 project target as unachievable due to a range of factors including the pandemic and Brexit.
Ms Regan said: "This is a total drop of the ball. We debated at [SNP] conference, we made a manifesto promise, we approved the work in Parliament, and then we failed to deliver. Trust is everything in politics and this is not acceptable. On behalf of the SNP, I sincerely apologise.
"I have visited many of the northern communities this weekend and the feelings of anger and betrayal are real and heartfelt. This is a project that needs serious attention and a new way of thinking."
If she becomes First Minister, she says she will set out within 100 days a plan to recommit to the A9 and A96 dualling projects.
She would appoint a project director who will be accountable and empowered to take advantage of efficiencies, enabling greater scrutiny and providing faster operational decision making.
"One of things that struck me while I listened is that many of the people I met have better knowledge and input than those working at the heart of government on this issue," she said. "The economics of the project gives it importance as a national priority.
"The feeling is that the project is too far north of Holyrood for the people in the positions of power to fully appreciate how slow progress is – I have agreed I would establish a project tracker that is both imposing and visible in the front foyer of St Andrew's House, forcing a daily reminder to check in on progress.
"My project director would be expected to give public updates every month and submissions to parliament every quarter. I would ensure all data was made public immediately, rather than being hidden until requested via Freedom of Information Act requests. With greater scrutiny and accountability, I genuinely believe that even though delays have occurred – and may occur again due to external factors – there would be a better chance of a quicker success and the communities would feel acknowledged in their grievance."
