Fergus Ewing has called for an entirely new approach to the decision making process on major transport projects as he slams the Scottish Government’s handling of transport projects since 2021.
The MSP for Inverness and Nairn and former cabinet secretary for rural development says a “tabula rasa” (blank slate) is needed to try to move on from disasters like the ferries, the A9, A96 and the Rest and Be Thankful.
The intervention comes ahead of Thursday’s full Holyrood debate on the A9 – the first ever – prompted by the government and Transport Scotland’s response to the A9 inquiry publishing its findings two and half months ago.
Earlier, he hit out at the government response to the inquiry, which he was a part of, saying that “ducking and diving is fine for a boxer but just makes a politician look sleekit,” adding: “This is not what the public wants”.
Mr Ewing said: “A ‘tabula rasa’ approach is needed. From ferries to the A9, from the A96 to the rest and be thankful: Failure will continue to be the norm unless the Scottish Government face up to these truths and cease their denial.
“The last four years from 2021 to 2025 have been the wasted years. It’s time to have a real debate on how we best deliver these vital schemes.”
He set out four new components needed in a speech he made last week:
Locals must be in decision making – not just bogus consultations – e.g. Hebridean ferries/A96
Main political parties work together – stop pandering to “green” extremists”; with a new dedicated Holyrood parliamentary committee
Industry experts should be listened to and involved far more to avoid impractical and unaffordable schemes like LNG ferries
Scrapping freedom of information current approach of excessive secrecy.