The protracted row over the £22.3million Third Don Crossing took another twist yesterday with administration leaders claiming the opposition was trying to “whitewash” the history of the convoluted scheme.
The crossing, linking Bridge of Don and Tillydrone, was due to be completed in March, but has already been delayed numerous times and is running about £3million above budget.
Opposition SNP council chiefs have called for an audit investigation into the works.
But finance convener Willie Young said that the nationalists were the real culprits for the delays during their time in administration.
He said: “They are calling for investigations over the delays and mistakes, but it seems their memories are short.
“They were in power from 2003 to 2012 and they didn’t move it forward.
“The designer was appointed in October 2010- when they were in power. Planning approval was granted in February 2011 when they were in power.
“But it was only when our administration took the reigns that we actually got this important project moving.
“The SNP have had the chance to ask any questions about the project they like at the Finance, Policy and Resources committee and they have not chosen to do so.
“You have to wonder if these sudden calls have anything to do with the upcoming election?”
He called for former SNP council chiefs to appear before the audit committee themselves to “explain their actions”.
The Bridge of Don member added: “Callum McCaig and Kevin Stewart have a lot to answer for.
“They are absolutely culpable for these delays and I don’t think the people of Aberdeen will soon forget that.”
Tillydrone Labour councillor Ross Grant added: “The main thing my constituents tell me is that they want the bridge built, not point scoring by the opposition.”
However, last night, deputy SNP leader Graham Dickson said the administration would “look back to Adam and Eve” to find someone else to blame.
He added: “This is another desperate attempt on the part of the finance convener and his allies to deflect their actions in this whole sorry episode.
“What we are complaining about is the delays in the construction process which has been entirely under their watch.”
