A82 campaigners miss meeting with minister

Disappointment has been expressed by A82 Partnership campaigners that they missed out on meeting with Scottish Transport Secretary Michael Matheson MP while he was in Lochaber last week.

Mr Matheson was attending a meeting held at Ferguson Transport and Shipping offices at Corpach on Tuesday last week where he addressed a capacity audience of 20 of the Lochaber Chamber of Commerce’s Premium Members to update them on the Scottish Government’s priorities and progress on transport issues facing Lochaber businesses.

Frazer Coupland, chief executive officer of Lochaber Chamber, said: ‘We had a really productive meeting with Michael Matheson that took an all-encompassing approach to transport issues in Lochaber.

‘There was a great deal of discussion around options for shifting modes of transport and increasing use of rail and sea for freight, as well as active travel options for local journeys.’

However, Stewart MacLean, chairman of the A82 Partnership campaign group, said the organisation was ‘extremely disappointed’ Mr Matheson did not make contact with the A82 Partnership during his visit to Lochaber despite the numerous invites to update him on the work of the partnership.

‘A meeting at this time is particularly important due to the outstanding and long-awaited Fort William Strategic Transport Report and the upcoming Scottish Transport Project Review 2, both of which will have significant impact on the A82, the community and businesses,’ Mr MacLean told the Lochaber Times. ‘We are also somewhat surprised Lochaber Chamber of Commerce did not believe it appropriate to invite the partnership to the meeting with the minister considering the importance of the A82 to its membership.

‘Since his appointment in 2018, the Transport Minister has failed to make any direct contact with the A82 Partnership. This is in stark contrast to the excellent relationship the partnership has had with previous ministers.’

A Chamber of Commerce spokesperson said the meeting had been restricted to just one hour due to Mr Matheson’s timetable, but Mr MacLean added: ‘It is concerning that in comments by the chamber’s chief executive officer about the meeting, there is no specific mention of the A82 issues or the Fort William congestion problems being raised.’

Councillor Allan Henderson, chairman of Highland

Council’s communities and place committee, commented: ‘In my role as chairman of HITRANS [Highlands and islands Transport Partnership], I am heading for Edinburgh on Thursday and the A82 is certainly on the agenda.

‘I am sure the premium group would have done the same and the turn of the A82 Partnership will come and be even more beneficial since the A82 is repeat business.’

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: ‘Mr Matheson was pleased to meet Lochaber Chamber of Commerce and discuss key transport issues in what was a productive meeting. He was able to provide an update on the National Transport Strategy and answer questions about major transport infrastructure investment.

‘The visit was arranged as part of an ongoing programme.’