Scotland’s transport minister will personally “investigate” complaints Moray residents have raised about some of the routes proposed as part of the A96 dualling project.
Humza Yousaf made the pledge when he met Moray MSP Richard Lochhead at Holyrood – who said he had “strong reservations” about some options for the new road.
Local campaign groups say that one possible course will bypass Elgin and Forres, and cripple the towns’ income.
They have also raised fears that it could send motorists past Pluscarden Abbey – disrupting the peaceful existence of the monks who live there.
Mr Lochhead relayed the views of the communities who would be affected by that route when he sat down with Mr Yousaf.
He said: “During our discussions, I raised the route options outlined by Transport Scotland for the dualling of the A96 as part of the consultation process.
“I conveyed to Mr Yousaf the strength of feeling within communities in Moray about the suitability of one option – and indeed my own strong reservations – which he took on board.
“I made it clear that the communities involved need a decision to be taken at the earliest opportunity.”
Last night, Mr Lochhead welcomed Mr Yousaf’s commitment to personally scrutinise the route option in question and see if it should be removed from consideration.
The Transport Minister vowed to respond to Mr Lochhead with his findings.
A series of public events have been scheduled for next week, where the design team responsible for plotting out the 28-mile route between Hardmuir and Fochabers will canvas local opinion on what the best options are.
