WATCH what happens when Highland MSP challenges Humza Yousaf to deliver A9 dualling date
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Despite the promises the A9 returned to embarrass the Scottish Government and the First Minister.
The launch of Humza Yousaf's Programme for Government should have been when he stamped his authority over politics in Holyrood.
It may still be that but there remains the image of the First Minister, apparently stalled and rooted to seat after being called on to deliver the A9 deadline.
Highland MSP and Scottish Conservative leader asked Mr Yousaf to intervene and then waited for him to take to his feet – nothing happened.
Mr Ross said: "There was discussion about infrastructure.
"So we are in a debate, Deputy Presiding Officer, and I'm very keen to take an intervention from the First Minister at any point, but particularly now.
"Because he made a very clear commitment that this Scottish Government – his Scottish Government – will fully dual the A9 from Perth to Inverness.
"So I say to the First Minister, when? Nothing?
"I'll give way.
"Come on, I mean, this is a serious issue."
Mr Ross then resumed his respond to the Programme for Government.
"The First Minister inserts this into his programme for government and claims this is a big announcement, but there's nothing to back it up," he said.
"This is a crucial infrastructure project that is absolutely vital for Perthshire and the Highlands of Scotland, indeed for connectivity across our country.
"We had the highest death rate on that road last year in 20 years, and the First Minister can't say when his promise will be delivered.
"He mentions the A96, and we've gone from the SNP saying they would fully dual the A96 to saying there will be improvements.
"Now, I welcome the Nairn bypass and the improvements from Inverness to Nairn that's been mentioned, but the A96 goes from Inverness to Aberdeen.
"What about the rest of that route?
"Previously promised to be fully dualled, now we're only going to get improvements along the way."
