Ash Regan apologises on behalf of SNP for back tracking on the A9 + A96 dualling by 2025 promise.

Ash Regan said: “This is a total drop of the ball. We debated at Conference, we made a manifesto promise, we approved the work in Parliament, and then we failed to deliver. Trust is everything in politics and this is not acceptable. On behalf of the SNP I sincerely apologise.

I have visited many of the northern communities this weekend and the feelings of anger and betrayal are real and heartfelt. This is a project that needs serious attention and a new way of thinking.”

Ms Regan sets out that if she becomes leader she will set out within 100 days a plan to recommit to this crucial infrastructure project.

She would appoint a ‘Project Director’ who will be accountable and empowered to take advantage of efficiencies, enabling greater scrutiny and providing faster operational decision making.

“One of things that struck me while I listened is that many of the people I met have better knowledge and input than those working at the heart of government on this issue. The economics of the project gives it importance as a national priority.”

“The feeling is that the project is too far north of Holyrood for the people in the positions of power to fully appreciate how slow progress is – I have agreed I would establish a project tracker that is both imposing and visible in the front foyer of St Andrew’s House, forcing a daily reminder to check in on progress”.

“My Project Director would be expected to give public updates every month and submissions to parliament every quarter. I would ensure all data was made public immediately, rather than being hidden until requested via freedom of information act requests. With greater scrutiny and accountability I genuinely believe that even though delays have occurred – and may occur again due to external factors – there would be a better chance of a quicker success and the communities would feel acknowledged in their grievance”.