Positive outcome to Highland Council meeting with Transport Minister (10/03/09)

A Highland Council delegation met with Scottish Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson today (Monday) in what was described as a very positive and constructive meeting.

Following the meeting in Edinburgh which Highland Council Leader Michael Foxley attended with Provost Jimmy Gray, Chairman of the Council’s Inverness City Committee and Neil Gillies, Director of the Council’s Transport Environmental and Community Services, Councillor Foxley said: “We were able to reach a shared view on the need to work together to progress the key road projects in the Highlands. This will include joint efforts in the master planning to ensure early progress with emphasis on long term best options and value for money. It was agreed that wherever possible we would use the Council’s expertise and local knowledge.”

Key routes that will be considered are:

the A82 – joint working with the adjacent local authorities to action full master planning was agreed;
the A9 – working with Transport Scotland on the 2+1 sections – the long term aim remains dualling;
Nairn bypass and A96 – a full feasibility study to identify and protect the road lines;
access to Inverness UHI Campus – it was agreed to work on both intermediate and long term solutions; and
the Trunk Link Road – joint working on how the Council can take forward the A82 / A9 link within the context of the Government's commitment to A9/A96 link.

Provost Gray said: “There is to be a high level meeting between the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland, British Waterways (Scotland), Historic Scotland, and The Highland Council to look at technically feasible and affordable options which are in the best interests of the Inner Moray Firth and the Highlands. The Minister confirmed that the Inner Moray Firth area was one of the key developments for the Highlands and for Scotland.”

Other issues which will be examined within the Network Management Contract were the A9 north of Berriedale Braes and improvements to the A887 single track section at Torgoyle.

Councillor Foxley added: “We want to do as much preparatory work as possible to exploit opportunities within the finances of both the Scottish Government and The Highland Council. Both sides want to see early progress.”

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