Dave Thompson MSP

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP, Dave Thompson, has received information from the Scottish Government which reveals that Danny Alexander MP has been making misleading public statements.

Mr Alexander has repeatedly issued statements blaming the Scottish government for delays in construction work on Highland roads. However, the information received by Mr Thompson shows that delays to construction work on the A9, A82, A95 and A96 are due to a variety of factors including statutory objections, which are beyond the control of the Scottish government.

Objections have delayed work on the A9 at Crubenmore, Kincraig, and Moy; the A95 at Lackgie, and A96 at Threapland. These objections have led to lengthy negotiations, and a Public Local Inquiry in the case of Kincraig, which have added up to 18 months on to the projected timescales. Unexpected ground conditions on the A82 have also led to additional design work being required at Pulpit Rock on Loch Lomond, thus pushing the completion date back.

Commenting Dave said: "Danny Alexander should get his facts right and stop using genuine delays in construction to try and smear the Scottish government for petty, party political advantage. He seems to have conveniently forgotten that his own party did nothing to improve roads in the Highlands when Tavish Scott was the Transport Minister. His pathetic attempts to blame the current Scottish government are sheer hypocrisy, particularly when the Liberals at Westminster have now adopted policies that would divert spending away from road building. Policies that he has personally endorsed."