A former community councillor has called on his local MSP to ensure the north-east’s biggest town is not overlooked in the quest for transport upgrades in the region.
The transport partnership Nestrans is currently investigating how to improve links between Aberdeen, Ellon, Peterhead and Fraserburgh.
And now, Blue Toon resident Bruce Buchan has written to local MSP and former transport minister, Stewart Stevenson, to campaign for Peterhead to be a focal point of any investment.
Mr Buchan, who was a long-standing community council member until the group was dissolved last month, has written to Mr Stevenson.
In his letter he said: “Despite Peterhead having the most potential for economic development, it appears we are to get no improvements to local transport infrastructure.
“I would argue there are regional political, economic and social power resources working in the background to retard, or otherwise prevent any further economic development in Peterhead.”
Mr Buchan argued that the cheaper cost of land for development in Peterhead, when compared to Aberdeen, should encourage new business in the area.
He added: “All we are asking for is a 15-mile section of dual carriageway, linking Peterhead to the already proposed Aberdeen to Tipperty extension in support of the AWPR.”
The Nestrans report referred to by Mr Buchan represents the first stage in a detailed study into new infrastructure options for the region. No decision or recommendation has been made at this stage.
Both road and rail options are being considered. These include spending £113million dualling the A90 between Ellon and the Toll of Birness, and investing up to £260million to bring back a “heavy rail service” between Dyce and Ellon.
But the appraisal report has already concluded that investing in a dual carriageway north of the Toll of Birness junction would be too expensive in the short term.
Last night, Mr Stevenson responded: “I’m quite clear that I want to see the best possible transport infrastructure northwards from Aberdeen into Buchan.
“The Nestrans study – which is still gofing through due process – is one means of getting improvements. The funding allocated by the Scottish Government to the City Region Deal for transport improvements is another.
“There is a clear cross-community, cross-party consensus regarding such improvements and this can only help build on the strong case we already have, which I continue to press.”
