Moray’s top business and political leaders have joined forces to demand that the Scottish Government deliver on its promise to fully dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen.
In a strongly worded joint letter, Moray Council Leader Kathleen Robertson, Moray Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Sarah Medcraf, and Federation of Small Businesses Development Manager Mike Duncan call for an unambiguous commitment, a clear timeline, and firm investment to finish the job.
Their intervention follows the A96 Corridor Review consultation, where an overwhelming 76% of respondents voiced dissatisfaction with the draft proposals, which stop short of full dualling.
The letter argues that this upgrade is about far more than roadworks, it is an investment in safety, prosperity, and the long-term future of the north.
Cllr Robertson says the delays are costing lives and holding the region back.
“The people and businesses of Moray have waited long enough. The overwhelming support for full dualling is clear, and the recent consultation confirms that.
“We need a firm commitment from the Scottish Government, with a clear timeline and investment plan.
“Every delay puts lives at risk, holds back growth, and undermines confidence.
“Moray deserves better and we’re united in calling for action now.”
Safety is a major driver for the campaign, with grade-separated junctions expected to reduce road casualties by nearly a thousand over the next 60 years.
Recent fatal crashes, the leaders say, underline the urgency.
Economic potential is another factor.
The A96 is a vital link between two of Scotland’s most important cities, connecting Moray to the ScotWind offshore energy project, the Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, and a growing renewables sector.
Sarah Medcraf calls the road “an economic lifeline” and warns that delays risk leaving the north behind.
“Full dualling of the A96 is not just a transport project, it’s an economic lifeline for Moray and the wider region.
‘Businesses need certainty and connectivity to invest, grow and create jobs.
“Every delay undermines confidence, impacts housing and infrastructure delivery, and risks leaving the North of Scotland behind.
“The message is clear: full dualling must remain a top priority for the Scottish Government.”
Housing development is also at stake, with delays to bypassing key towns like Elgin potentially slowing the delivery of affordable homes, a core Scottish Government pledge.
Mike Duncan says the case for action is undeniable.
“Transportation and logistics are essential to so many smaller businesses in Moray.
“Improving our trunk road infrastructure is a fundamental step towards helping these businesses grow and thrive, attracting new people to the region and taking full advantage of the ambitious new projects planned along the Moray Firth coast.
“We’re calling on the Scottish Government to build on the progress and investment that has already been made and deliver an economic lifeline to the people of Moray.
“They must follow through on their commitment to fully dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen.”
The joint letter closes with a warning: without decisive action, northern communities risk being sidelined from Scotland’s economic future.
