A96 consultation finds vast majority of public oppose abandoning full dualling

Dualling between Inverness to Nairn is set to go ahead, the Transport Secretary has confirmed, as the public opposition to new plans for the trunk road has been revealed.

A consultation over new plans for the stretch between Nairn and Aberdeen, called the “refined package”, suggested abandoning the SNP’s 2011 pledge to fully dual the trunk road.

However, the latest consultation found that nearly two-thirds of those who responded still favoured full dualling, rather than just building Elgin and Keith bypasses.

A report, released today, also confirmed that 63 per cent of respondents expressed a preference for the SNP’s original dualling pledge, even though “this wasn’t specifically asked” in the survey.

In total, the consultation received 1441 responses.

In February 2024, we revealed that the SNPs pledge to dual the A96 by 2030 had been scrapped in 2020.

This was only confirmed by the Scottish Government in November last year.

However, on the publication of the new report, Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said the Scottish Government’s position “has not changed”.

She will now be “considering the findings” before reaching a final decision, but said the final verdict would depend on cash being available when the Scottish Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan is published later this year.

The vast majority of people, 76 per cent, were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the Scottish Government’s proposals, with just 13 per cent satisfied or very satisfied.

And, when asked about the Government’s proposed plan, 74 per cent were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.

In response to a question asking about their priorities in the “refined package” - which did not include full dualling - 81 per cent of people listed an Elgin Bypass and 76 per cent of people listed a Keith Bypass.

Full dualling was not included as an option.

The report also confirmed that stakeholders backed fully dualling the A96, including Moray, Highland and Aberdeenshire councils along with Moray and Inverness Chambers of Commerce.

The three-month consultation on the “refined package” was held between November 28, 2024 and February 21, 2025.

However, in March, we revealed that the consultation received nearly all of its responses in the last two weeks.

Buckie-based Scottish Conservative MSP and shadow rural secretary Tim Eagle said: “It’s no surprise the people of Moray have spoken in favour of fully dualling the A96 – something they have been calling on for decades.

“The SNP government shouldn’t have required yet another consultation to tell them that upgrading this dangerous road is the difference between life and death.

“We all know this was nothing more than a shameful tactic to stall the promised upgrade.

“Fully dualling the A96 will drive our economy forward and ensure our emergency services in Moray can get to where they need without delays.

“This final consultation must now end the SNP’s dither and delay on the A96, which is why an immediate cast iron guarantee must now be given to honour their promise.”

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