Rachael Hamilton and John Lamont MP have welcomed the Scottish Conservatives’ new ‘Uniting Scotland’ plan which will see significant upgrades to the Scottish road and rail network.
Included in the plan is the full dualling of the A1 and the extension of the Borders Railway through Hawick, Newcastleton and onto Carlisle.
Both projects are crucial to the connectivity of the Borders, and could form an important part of the recovery of the area as the country emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Recently, Mrs Hamilton and Mr Lamont successfully campaigned for £10m of Borderlands’ Growth Deal funding for a feasibility study into the rail extension, which will examine the route from Hawick to Carlisle.
The Scottish Conservatives plan also commits to improve cross border infrastructure and implementing the recommendations of the Union Connectivity Review. A review which Mrs Hamilton and Mr Lamont have supported in their work.
Other Scottish Conservative projects include a new action plan to meet Scotland’s electric vehicle target, including a complete national charging system by 2025 and the rollout of full fibre broadband to all rural properties by 2027.
Rachael Hamilton said:
“The SNP have failed to deliver for the Borders when it comes to improving vital road and rail links.
“I have long argued the A1 should be fully dualled south of Dunbar, and our plans would seek to reduce journey times and open up new opportunities for Berwickshire.
“I would also like to see other main routes, such as the A7 and A68, improved to cut accident rates.
“The extension of the Borders Railway is crucial to connecting Hawick, Newcastleton and Carlisle, and I am glad both John and I campaigned successfully for the feasibility study to get the ball rolling.
“As we approach the election, I have made a pledge that if re-elected, I will demand improvements to Borders’ connectivity and infrastructure.
“A vote for me on the 6th May is a vote to drive forward new infrastructure projects across the Borders, that will make a real difference to our daily lives and the Borders’ recovery”.
John Lamont MP:
“Berwickshire residents know all too well about the current state of the A1. If elected the Scottish Conservatives will dual the A1 making it safer and more efficient, and cement its place as a key route for trade.
“Completing the Borders Railway is a key priority for the Scottish Borders and I am glad to see our manifesto includes work to take this project forward.
“With a £10m feasibility study examining the reopening of the line, there is real momentum behind this project.
“Voting for the Scottish Conservatives on the party list will ensure the next five years are spent on rebuilding our infrastructure and focussing on the recovery.”
