Press & Policy

Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce urges the Scottish Government to rethink on the importance of connecting major Scottish economic hubs and fulfilling long-term transport strategy promises made to business. 

‘’The last thing business needs right now is for any major U-turns, particularly with our transport infrastructure. Whilst we all support the need for us to work together to reduce our carbon emissions, a balance must be reached to ensure Scotland continues to be in a position to grow our economy, create more jobs, and be attractive for future investment.

‘’One example is the critical importance of urgently fulfilling the policy promise of upgrading the A9, and the A96. This is not a luxury but a necessity. Any calls on the Government to consider reversing this decision must be rejected. This piece of infrastructure (the A9) is not only about increasing much needed capacity, it is Scotland’s longest trunk road and gateway to the Highlands, and the A96, a key transport corridor essential for Scottish exports, must be taken forward to ensure the future of rural communities and their economies.

‘’The SCC Network fully supports the need for policies that address the climate emergency. However, these should not be at the expense of our business communities or to the detriment of key drivers of the Scottish economy.

‘’These roads are key transport corridors that enable people to work and live in rural areas. Without them these communities would face irrevocable decline. They also provide lifelines for the industries of tourism and food and drink, which are essential to the fabric of rural society as well as the country’s economy as a whole. Upgrading them should therefore be a top priority.

‘’We acknowledge that coalition governments must sometimes compromise to govern but we urge the Scottish Government and all political parties not to compromise our future prosperity. Scottish companies are ready to embrace their role in delivering a net zero economy for the benefit of our own citizens and those around the globe. But we also believe that measures must be taken that are fair and inclusive and the risks and rewards are carefully balanced. In this regard, any potential change to plans on road improvements in the North must be subject rigorous economic impact assessment.

‘’We fully support calls made by members of the chamber network and other business organisations that scrapping the improvements risks key planks of creating a net zero carbon future such as the growth of the renewables energy industry and forestry. Instead we urge policy makers to ensure Scotland’s key road network is fit for the future of decarbonised transport and haulage.’’​