A77 overtaking scheme progresses

A scheme to widen the A77 carriageway between Parkend and Bennane has moved forward with the issue of tenders.

The multi-million pound scheme will see construction of nearly two miles of widening works, allowing for dedicated overtaking opportunities in either direction. The scheme will enhance this vital route between the central belt and Stranraer and Cairnryan ferry ports by improving traffic flow, reducing journey times and ferry travel related convoys.

Stewart Stevenson, Transport Minister said:

“I am pleased to see this important A77 scheme progressing quickly with the issue of the tenders.

“This scheme is part of £60 million of planned investments along both the A77 and A75 and complements £29 million of investment already undertaken on these key tourist and business routes.

“It is vital that our visitors, both commercial and tourists, see that Scotland is open for business. Better access to and from our ports at Stranraer and Cairnryan will bring significant benefits, ensuring long term sustainable economic growth across south west Scotland and beyond.”

The tender process is expected to be completed by autumn 2010 and it is anticipated work can start on site soon after for an expected opening in spring 2011.

The 86 mile long A77 is a main link for south west communities and businesses, and this section of the route carries up to 3000 vehicles a day.

A9 dualling project moves forward

A multi-million pound project to deliver an additional length of dual carriageway on the A9 at Crubenmore took a further step forward this week with the issuing of tenders.

The project will see construction of almost two miles of dual carriageway (2.7km) providing improved overtaking opportunities on the A9 to the north of Crubenmore, reducing journey times and improving traffic flow on this key route connecting central Scotland to the Highlands.

Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson said:

“This is an important step forward for dualling of the A9. These works complement improvements currently underway at Moy and Loaninghead, as well as a number of schemes already completed on this vital route.

“The project is a further example of our commitment to dualling the A9 on a progressive basis and will bring significant benefits to commercial and tourist traffic through more reliable journey times to and from north Scotland.“

When completed, the scheme will support businesses, communities and tourism throughout Scotland by improving the access to and from Inverness and the Highlands.

The tender process is expected to be completed by Autumn 2010 and it is anticipated work can start on site soon thereafter, with an expected completion in late 2011. Some advance works may be carried out later this year.

MSP To Present Award To New Deer School

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson will present the UNICEF Rights Respecting School award to the children of New Deer School on Friday 2 July (tomorrow) at 11.15am.

Over the past session the school has worked towards an understanding and a better practice of Children's Rights according to the Charter of the United Nations Convention on the rights of the child. This has involved an examination of the school ethos with regard to this and also a wider study of Global Citizenship. New Deer School was assessed by a representative from UNICEF and awarded Level 1 in the scheme.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“I’m absolutely delighted for the pupils and staff at New Deer School. This is a tremendous achievement to gain such a prestigious award.”