Along with Councillor Grant Laing, Perth & Kinross Council leader, Dave Doogan, MP for Angus & Perthshire Glens, and Councillor Eric Drysdale, PKC Economy and Infrastructure convener, Thomas Glen, PKC chief executive of PKC and David Littlejohn, PKCA strategic lead (Economy, Development & Planning), Mr Swinney was offered a full progress update on the £150m project.

Mr Swinney said: “The Cross Tay Link Road project represents a significant financial commitment from the Scottish Government, with £40m of financial support invested.

“As a key element of the Perth Transport Futures infrastructure project, the CTLR is hugely important to the future of Perth & Kinross. It will undoubtedly transform travel across the region as well as reducing pollution in Perth city centre, and in turn, will unlock the economic potential of the area.”

Perth and Kinross Council leader Councillor Grant Laing said: “The completion of Destiny Bridge will be an important milestone in what is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in Perth and Kinross.

“Perth’s location and well-connected road network is key to its long-term economic success and will help deliver a cleaner and more sustainable city centre.”

The First Minister’s visit coincided with the second of three central stitch pours on Destiny Bridge. 

Derek Walsh, contracts manager for BAM UK & Ireland, CTLR’s main contractor explained: “There are three stich segments which tie the structure together upon completion. The first was poured on July 23rd and is located at the east end of the structure.

“The second and third stitches are carefully constructed following a precise construction sequence; this week, we’ve carried out the internal kentledge concrete pour on the east section of the bridge, and this will be followed by alignment checks, stressing work, and the second stitch. The third and final west end stitch will be completed early in September 2024.”

Jillian Ferguson, roads & infrastructure manager, added: “We have made good progress this summer and I’m pleased to have welcomed the First Minister and our local elected representatives to witness the efforts of the team. These final few weeks mark a significant milestone within the project, and I am delighted to report that structural work on Destiny Bridge is expected to complete mid-September.”

Project completion is due for Spring 2025, when the full benefits of Destiny Bridge and the new 6km stretch of road (New Kingsway) linking the A9 and A94 north of Scone will come to fruition. Addressing the long-term transportation needs of the area, the project will divert traffic away from the most congested parts of the city centre, improving traffic flow and reducing journey times, as well as easing congestion and air pollution.

Alongside this, enhanced opportunities for active travel are hoped to encourage more sustainable travel options.

Councillor Grant Laing, PKC leader, said: “The project has been heralded as playing a vital role in the future of Perth and Kinross, both economically – it is predicted to leverage £966 million of private sector investment in housing and employment - and environmentally.

“This is the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken by this council and it is fantastic to see this major milestone reached.”