Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has urged the Scottish Government to set out the earliest possible construction timeline for the long awaited Nairn Bypass, saying the project is critical for residents, commuters and emergency services using the A96 each day.
Speaking in Parliament, she said the Inverness to Nairn section of the route is the most urgent infrastructure investment required in the region and highlighted the expectation among local communities that meaningful progress must be seen soon.
She said the current traffic flow through the centre of Nairn continues to cause avoidable pollution as HGVs, ambulances and commuters move slowly past busy pedestrian areas, including Rosebank Primary School.
She also pointed to concerns about future developments around Inverness and Nairn, particularly those linked to the nearby Freeport, which risk adding further pressure if the bypass is not delivered on time.
Emma Roddick said:
“I regularly travel the stretch of road through Nairn, and it is clear to anyone passing through that this bypass is desperately needed for the community.
“The current situation is unhelpful to the amenity of the town and brings frustration and pollution to the centre.”
She said the wider A96 dualling programme remained important, but the bypass must take precedence.
“I welcome the focus on the A96 dualling, but the most urgent priority for Inverness and Nairn must be the construction of this bypass, which is the most advanced project compared to the wider A96 review.
“I will continue to press the Cabinet Secretary to provide an earliest possible timeline for construction.”
She said clear signs of progress would help give communities confidence.
“Visible works are the best way to reassure constituents and ensure that future developments in the area, such as new housing and infrastructure associated with the nearby Freeport, do not worsen the road situation for the people of Nairn.”
Roddick’s comments reflect a long standing community desire for improved safety and reliability on a route that carries substantial local and regional traffic and forms a key corridor between Inverness, Nairn, Moray and the north east.
The government’s amendment during the debate reiterated a commitment to dualling the A96 and confirmed ongoing consideration of the Nairn section as part of that programme.
Local campaigners have continued to argue that the bypass will significantly reduce congestion in the centre of Nairn and improve access for emergency services, while also allowing the town to develop in a more sustainable way.
The bypass remains the most advanced element of the A96 work, with the route corridor identified and statutory processes already completed, leading to increasing public calls for a confirmed construction timetable.
Roddick said she will continue to push for the earliest possible commitment to ensure that the needs of Nairn are given due priority as decisions are made.
