Former SNP minister Alex Neil hits out at ‘rubbish’ claims about A9 …

A former SNP minister has said that “realistic” plans to dual one of Scotland’s most dangerous roads were set in stone a decade ago, as he condemned claims that the timeline for the project was merely aspirational as “utter rubbish”.

Alex Neil, the former MSP for Airdrie and Shotts, says he was assured by Transport Scotland officials in 2011 that the A9 route between Perth and Inverness could be completed in the timescale agreed and would cost no more than £3 billion.

Neil described it as “extremely disappointing” and economically damaging for the Highlands and Islands, as well as the wider population of the country, that only two of 11 sections mooted for upgrading on the road have since been turned into dual carriageway.

Nicola Sturgeon took over Alex Neil’s infrastructure and capital investment brief in 2012

JEFF J MITCHELL/GETTY IMAGES

He