Concerns have been raised by a group of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) regarding the availability of sufficient funding to complete the £3 billion project aimed at dualing the A9 between Inverness and Perth by the year 2035. In a recent report, a committee from Holyrood noted that disputes over financing have already played a significant role in missing the initial target of 2025.

Committee convener and Scottish Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw stated that there is no “conspiracy to frustrate” the road project, yet he highlighted a lack of proper oversight and focus. Transport Scotland expressed its appreciation for the report issued by the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee and indicated it would address the recommendations in due time.

Over the past ten years, upgrades have been made to two sections of single carriageway totaling 11 miles (18 km), but approximately 77 miles (124 km) remain to be completed. The project has faced delays and escalating costs; for instance, it was recently revealed that upgrading a six-mile (10 km) stretch is now expected to cost £308 million—an increase of £111 million from earlier estimates—and will take longer than initially planned.

The dualing of single carriageway sections aims to enhance journey times and safety. Tragically, in 2022, there were 13 fatalities on the A9 route from Inverness to Perth, marking the highest count in two decades. Carlaw expressed his condolences for those who lost their lives on this road, emphasizing that uncertainty surrounding funding had led to setbacks.

He criticized both the Scottish government and Transport Scotland for their lack of transparency regarding the project’s funding issues. In an interview with BBC Scotland News, Carlaw noted that while there was no hidden agenda causing delays, a serious lack of clarity around finances has hindered progress.

The committee has proposed implementing new procedures to swiftly address challenges faced by major projects and suggested forming a new committee dedicated solely to overseeing the dueling of the A9. Additionally, they recommended establishing a memorial for those who have died on this roadway.

Campaigner Laura Hansler from A9 Dual Action Group, who initiated a petition prompting this inquiry, expressed frustration over perceived neglect toward communities in the Highlands and Islands. She raised doubts about whether the 2035 deadline will be achieved given that only 11 miles have been completed so far.

Former first ministers Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon also provided evidence during this inquiry. Sturgeon acknowledged regret over not meeting original timelines but attributed challenges faced during construction to factors beyond governmental control, such as Brexit and COVID-19. Salmond emphasized that completing this project is integral to maintaining governmental integrity.

The Scottish Conservatives characterized the committee’s findings as harsh, with MSP Sue Webber asserting that ongoing delays jeopardize lives while inflating costs further. She urged immediate action from the SNP government to ensure full dualing of the A9 between Perth and Inverness is realized.