Matheson defends ‘crucial’ review of A9 dualling plans

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson says a review into the future of the A9 dualling programme is “crucial” but has been “misunderstood”.

He defended the consultation, insisting it would pave the way for the Scottish Government to “progress the remaining sections” of the upgrade between Perth and Inverness, rather than being about halting or delaying the scheme.

Concerns have been raised about the government’s commitment to the £3 billion project since Transport Scotland said it would “take stock” of the impact of the pandemic and look at its financing.

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser wrote to Mr Matheson amid alarm about the review. He said: “It would be a massive blow for those of us who have campaigned for the dualling of the A9 to be told the project is either on hold or may face delays in reaching its targeted completion date.”

However, in a response released under Freedom of Information laws, Mr Matheson insisted the consultation underlined the government’s commitment to the project.

He said the “next steps” for the dualling programme would be unveiled this summer, after a new procurement strategy has been drawn up.

Mr Matheson wrote: “We are engaging with stakeholders and the construction industry to help finalise a procurement strategy that will allow us to progress the remaining sections.

“We expect this process to conclude in summer 2021 when we will be able to provide an update on next steps towards delivery of this important programme.

“Contrary to some media reporting, which has unfortunately misunderstood the position, this market consultation is a very clear demonstration of our full commitment to the A9 dualling and our equally strong commitment to good governance and responsible use of public funds.”

The first of 11 sections of dualling, between Kincraig and Dalraddy, opened in 2017, with work under way between Luncarty and Pass of Birnam.

Transport Scotland recently announced a procurement process had begun for a further six miles of dual carriageway, from Tomatin to Moy, worth £115m.

However, the Scottish Government’s latest infrastructure investment plan envisages just £328m being spent on the overall £3bn scheme between now and 2025-26.

This has fuelled doubts the work will be completed by the 2025 target date.

Jamie Halcro Johnston, Scottish Conservative rural economy spokesman, said: “Despite my repeated questioning of Nicola Sturgeon and the transport secretary, we’re still none the wiser over whether the promise to complete the dualling by its 2025 target date will be met.”

Letting toddlers play frequently on tablets, phones and game consoles could be putting them at a higher risk of emotional and behavioural problems when they start school, a new study suggests.

Pre-schoolers who extensively use electronic media are more likely to have hyperactivity issues, a short attention span, poor concentration and peer relationship issues when they turn five, academics found.

Researchers, from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare said that increased screen time has “multiple risks” for child wellbeing.

A new study, published in the journal BMJ Open, examined data on around 700 Finnish children.

Parents reported how much time their child spent using electronic media at 18 months and five years of age.

They found that 95% of pre-school children spent more than an hour on a screen every day.

The World Health Organisation says that screen time is not recommended for children under two.

Those aged two to four should not engage in more than an hour of screen time each day, and “less is better”, the guidance states.

The Finnish study found that the average screen time of a fiveyear-old was 114 minutes a day. And for 18-month-olds it was an average of 32 minutes.

ON THE WAY: Work has started on the A9 dualling between Luncarty and Pass of Birnam, despite completion fears.

New Finnish study.