Scotland’s Transport Secretary has been condemned after refusing an invitation to visit the A96 to discuss funding concerns, claiming her “diary is full”. According to Grampian Online, Gordon and Buchan Conservative MP Harriet Cross wrote to Fiona Hyslop MSP asking to accompany her on a visit along the Aberdeenshire stretch between Inverurie and Huntly to witness the dangers of not dualling the major route.

It follows concerns from Ms Cross over the absence of any mention of A96 dualling in Aberdeenshire within the Scottish Government’s infrastructure pipeline.

The document, published as part of the Scottish Budget, sets out areas of infrastructure investment that the government is committed to over the next four years until 2030.

However, within it no funding has been pledged to fully dual the road between Aberdeen and Inverness.

The SNP previously vowed to upgrade the A96 by 2030, but the only mention of dualling within the Scottish Government’s plans is for Inverness to Nairn, which ministers have committed funding to.

There have been 12 deaths on the A96 since 2023, while police have been called to more than 400 collisions on the road in that time.

Ms Cross, said: “Fiona Hyslop’s refusal to meet me to visit the A96 is an insult to the people of Aberdeenshire.

“While I’m sure she does have a busy diary, to use that as an excuse highlights how low the A96 is on the SNP’s priority list.

“She is hiding from the important questions that are being asked as to why no mention of dualling in Aberdeenshire is given in the Scottish Government’s infrastructure pipeline, nor has there been any funding allocation within the budget.

“This is not just about dualling the A96 – it’s about opening up the north-east to inward investment, business growth, increased connectivity and improved safety.

(Picture: Mapillary)