Calls to scrap the dualling of the A96 miss the bigger picture, neglecting the safety, economic, and developmental needs of the Highlands and northeast Scotland.
For over a decade, the promise to dual the A96 has remained a beacon of hope for a region underserved by transport infrastructure.
The suggestion by the Greens to halt this project highlights a centralist mindset that fails to grasp the unique challenges faced by the Highlands and the northeast.
Public transport links in this region are far from sufficient, leaving many communities isolated and dependent on private vehicles for daily life.
Policies aimed at reducing car use may make sense in urban areas but are impractical and even harmful to rural communities where viable alternatives simply don’t exist.
The A96 is not just a road; it is a lifeline, connecting people to jobs, services, and opportunities that underpin local economies.
Delays and accidents on this route are all too common, and the need for safer, more efficient infrastructure has never been greater.
Dualling the A96 would reduce congestion, improve safety, and enable smoother transport of goods, supporting businesses and fostering regional growth.
Critics claim the project is incompatible with climate goals, yet they overlook the environmental and economic toll of forcing communities to rely on outdated, single-lane roads.
Enhanced infrastructure here would not only benefit locals but also attract tourists and investors, boosting Scotland’s economy as a whole.
Arguments against the project fail to consider the broader realities of rural life, prioritising ideological targets over practical solutions.
The focus should not be on halting progress but on ensuring it is carried out responsibly, balancing development with sustainability.
This is not just about dualling a road; it’s about recognising the needs of the Highlands and northeast Scotland and delivering the infrastructure these communities deserve.
Scotland’s rural regions must not be left behind in the rush to meet urban-centric climate goals.
