Road upgrade moves far from plain sailing
Ferry firm raises concerns
The Scottish Governmemnt have been urged to develop a programme for major upgrades and improvements to the road between Ayr and the Cairnryan ferry terminal.
The move follows the closure of the A77 for 24 hours on October 21 due to severe flooding.
South of Scotland list MSP Brian Whittle highlighted the serious impact this closure had on local and ferry traffic during First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood last week.
Challenging the First Minister to dual the A77 and the neighbouring A75, which runs through Dumfries & Galloway, Mr Whittle quoted a statement from Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Trade Director ( Irish Sea North) who said: “It’s quite clear from this and other incidents that the current A77 and A75 don’t reflect the requirements fitting of a major UK – Ireland travel and freight hub so I’m afraid that major disruptions and loss of trade could be a feature of life in the region until those responsible commit the necessary resources to alleviate these recurring problems.”
Mr Whittle has been working closely with the A77 Action Group and Dual the A75 campaign to highlight the need for investment in South West Scotland’s road infrastructure along with fellow MSPs John Scott and Finlay Carson.
He said: “This statement from a senior figure in Stena Line makes it clear that they have serious concerns about the condition and suitability of the A77 which, along with the A75, carries the majority of traffic to and from the ferry terminal.
“It’s clear to me that if the Scottish Government continue to neglect the A77 and don’t fund an ambitious programme of improvements, particularly making more of the route dual carriageway, then there’s a real issue about the ability of the ferry services to grow and develop in the future. It’s time for the Scottish Government to get serious about delivering a safer, sustainable trunk road network in South Scotland.”
Ayr MSP John Scott said: “For both economic and social reasons, upgrading the A77 south of Ayr should be a top priority and the programme of improvements being called for by the A77 Action Group have my full support. We all want to see the economy of South Ayrshire thrive and we all want to see a safer environment for drivers and local residents and upgrading the A77 will be vital in achieving that.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “Mr Yousaf will be writing to Mr Whittle in detail on the points he has raised in Parliament, and is also meeting the A77 action group early next month to discuss issues of concern.
“Our operating company in the area, Scotland Transerv, worked to reopen the A77 at this location as soon as possible despite the ongoing severe weather which hampered the recovery. We will contact Stena to discuss the issues they have raised. We recognise the key routes to our ports are essential to connect businesses to the marketplace and support the local, regional and national economies - that is why we are currently taking forward plans for a new bypass at Maybole worth £ 30 million, having delivered substantial improvements to the A77 at Symington and Bogend Toll, Glen App, Haggstone and Park End, and invested nearly £ 50million in the maintenance of the A77 since 2007.
“This is in addition to £ 66 million invested in maintenance of the A75, and other major improvements between Hardgrove and Kinmount, Cairntop and Barlae, and a new bypass at Dunragit.”