Lack of clarity on funding ‘significantly contributed’ to A9 delay, MSPs find

A lack of agreement on funding “significantly contributed” to the Scottish Government’s failure to dual the A9 by 2025, a Holyrood report has found.

The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee said it remains concerned about whether cash will be made available to meet the new 2035 deadline.

MSPs, who are investigating delays in the project, said issues were repeatedly raised years before the target was scrapped.

The committee said it is concerned about a lack of open dialogue on the challenges facing the £3 billion project, which will dual the road between Inverness and Perth.

The report warned a lack of transparency could undermine the public’s confidence in Transport Scotland’s ability to deliver major infrastructure projects.

Only 11 miles of the road has been dualled over the past decade, with 77 miles left to go.

The committee is now calling on a duty of candour to be introduced for major projects so challenges are brought to light sooner.

Committee convener Jackson Carlaw said: “The A9 is a key route for the Scottish economy and tourism, but the dualling of the A9 is not just important for Scotland’s economy but for the safety of all those using it.

“Too many people have lost their lives on this road and the thoughts of the committee go out to the families of everyone affected.

“What has become clear to the committee is that a lack of clarity over the availability of funding has, fundamentally, resulted in not just a failure to deliver this project, but it contributed to wider failure to be open about the challenges being faced by the project.

“This is, quite frankly, unacceptable for those who live and work in northern Scotland.”

Mr Carlaw said he is “unconvinced” that lessons from the past have been learned following the announcement that construction will be delayed in the Tomatin to Moy section of the road.

He went on: “Our committee is strongly of the view that there must be a duty of candour introduced for major projects such as this to ensure that not only Parliament but also the public are informed about progress.

“We are also calling for proper parliamentary scrutiny through the establishment of a parliamentary committee which could oversee major infrastructure projects.

“This will help to ensure that the people who rely on the A9 are not failed once again.”

Transport Scotland has been approached for comment.