Transport minister's lack of response over Kessock Bridge concerns

Mary Scanlon, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, says she expected a more urgent response from the Transport Minister to suggestions she put forward from concerned users of the Kessock Bridge to alleviate congestion during the planned works which started on Sunday.

Mary wrote to the minister, Keith Brown, on June 2, but says it has taken 19 days simply to receive an acknowledgement.

A letter from Mr Brown’s office dated Monday, June 20, stated: "I am writing to acknowledge your recent letter to Keith Brown regarding closure of the Kessock Bridge. A reply will be sent to you as soon as possible."

Says Mary: "I understand that Ministers receive a significant amount of paper work but given the importance of keeping traffic flowing in the Highlands I had hoped by writing to the Transport Minister he could have looked into this quickly with his officials at Transport Scotland and responded to me.

"In the end I have merely received an acknowledgement from his office sent the day after works stared. By the time the Minister gets round to replying the works will be finished.

"I wrote in similar terms to Highland Council who responded very promptly, even e-mailing me their letter to ensure I received it quickly as they knew the importance and time sensitive nature of these enquiries.

"The works have now begun and the suggestions which were put to me, and other MSPs, have gone unanswered by the Transport Minister.

"He may think it’s acceptable to say he will respond ‘soon’ but the commuters who will have to endure delays and inconvenience during these works expected a more urgent response from the SNP government."

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