Minister to highlight transport progress at Parliamentary committee

Transport minister Derek Mackay will reaffirm the Scottish Government’s progress in the delivery of its transport policy today as he takes questions from the infrastructure and capital investment committee in the Scottish Parliament.

The minister said he welcomed the opportunity to provide the update and highlight how this will be built upon to help deliver the SNP’s programme for government.

Mr Mackay said: “Investing in transport infrastructure is vital to Scotland’s economy and the CBI estimates that for every £1 spent on a construction project there is a £2.84 total benefit to the economy.

“Since 2007, we have invested over £15 billion in transport, including seventy-six kilometres of new railways delivered with thirteen new train stations opened and twenty-three major improvements to our motorways and trunk roads completed. Six new ferries have already been introduced into Calmac’s services, with more under construction and out to tender, strengthening Scotland’s fleet.

“Last month we celebrated the opening of Borders Railway, the longest domestic railway to be constructed for over 100 years. We also completed the Winchburgh Tunnel upgrade, the most significant piece of engineering work on the Edinburgh - Glasgow rail line since the Victorian era, against a backdrop of the largest road investment programme Scotland has ever seen.

“The Forth Replacement Crossing is being built on time and under budget; we have placed all the three major design contracts required for the A9 dualling and construction commenced on the Kincraig to Dalraddy Section. Progress continues on the A96 Inverness to Aberdeen Dualling Programme and we have published a timetable for the next stage of design for east of Nairn to Aberdeen.

“Transport is key to the recently launched Scotland’s Economic Strategy, contributing to the four priorities Innovation, Internationalisation, Inclusive Growth and Investment. Our record to date shows we are on track to continue an impressive level of achievement that will help realise this ambitious economic vision.”