“The objectors have not only had
their day in court but also chance to appeal at the Court of Session, where
their case was comprehensively dismissed and now a third bite of the cherry
which, frankly, was a step too far and only served to further delay the project
and increase costs to the taxpayer.
“The people of the North-east signalled
their clear wish that this road to go ahead as quickly as possible, as does the
Scottish Government, and I am delighted that work on the project will begin
immediately.
“I also welcome the
fact that the construction contract will stipulate that all job opportunities
must be advertised through local job centres and all sub contracts to be
tendered must be advertised on the Public Contracts Scotland web portal. There will also be minimum requirements set
for apprentices, graduate trainees and jobs, securing wider benefits for the
local community.”