'Don't ignore the A95 in Moray for the A96'
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THE major road that links Moray to the south must not be neglected due to plans to build a dual carriageway from Inverness to Aberdeen.
That's the view of two leading Tories in Moray, who are calling for a review of the A95 route which starts at Keith, goes through Aberlour and connects with the A9 road running south.
Both Tim Eagle, who leads to Tory contingent on Moray Council, and the list MSP Jamie Halco Johnson have voiced concerns that the need to upgrade the A95 could be overshadowed by the ongoing work to upgrade the A96 which runs from west to east through Moray.
Councillor Eagle, who will stand in the next Holyrood elections, said: "At the end of the day, our most important markets are located to the south, in the rest of the UK.
"We need to see attention paid to that otherwise our businesses will be placed at a competitive disadvantage.
"Many of Moray’s most important businesses are located in Speyside and are utterly reliant on the A95 to reach their markets.
"Our transport infrastructure has been neglected for too long."
"For all the focus on dualling the A96, which is still years away from completion, there is a real danger that the importance of the A95 is being overlooked."
The Scottish Government has made a commitment to dual the whole A96 route from Inverness to Aberdeen by the year 2030.
Mr Halcro Johnston backed Cllr Eagle’s call.
He said: "The prime minister has been at pains to emphasise the importance of strengthening the transport links between the north of the country and the south and it is critical that the Scottish Government plays it part as well as the UK Government.
"There are vast opportunities for Moray businesses, many of which have world-beating reputations, but they need roads which match the quality of their products if they are to operate on an equal footing with their competitors."
