Maggie Moodie

PLIs are a part of the consent process governing some of the country’s largest trunk road infrastructure projects. They ensure that ministers are fully informed on planned road improvements, and objectors, for example by those living nearby, are properly considered.

The most significant project currently involving Public Local Inquiries is the dualling of the A9 from Perth to Inverness, with a budget of £3 billion pounds.

Douglas Milne, partner in Morton Fraser’s public sector team, said: “Transport Scotland is undertaking some vital infrastructure upgrades, which are strategically important to the country.

“Our role under our appointment is to support Transport Scotland in the public local inquiry process, ensuring that the evidence is presented in a way which ultimately provides the greatest assistance to ministers when taking their decisions on the proposals.

“As an independent, Scottish firm, we take great pride in our relationship with Scottish ministers and the UK government and look forward to supporting Transport Scotland through a series of vital road improvements in the coming years.”

The contract is for an initial two years with the option to extend to four. Morton Fraser will also provide legal support for other types of inquiry involving Scottish ministers or the UK government, which may be required to resolve planning consent.

Morton Fraser began supporting PLIs for Scottish ministers and the UK government in 2012, and this is the second consecutive re-appointment of the firm to this contract, which is competitively tendered.

Maggie Moodie, Morton Fraser chairman, added: “The challenges now facing infrastructure improvement projects are not to be underestimated. The complexities of delivering major improvements during the COVID-19 pandemic are significant.”