Borders politicians Rachael Hamilton MSP and John Lamont MP have strongly criticised the Scottish Government for ignoring the Scottish Borders in its strategic transport projects review (STPR 2).
These views have been echoed by the leader of Scottish Borders Council, Cllr Mark Rowley, who has also expressed his disappointment about the review.
Despite repeated calls from Ms Hamilton in the Scottish Parliament, the report, released on Thursday 20th January, makes no mention of upgrades to roads or railways in the Scottish Borders.
Both Ms Hamilton and Mr Lamont have supported calls for the extension of the Borders Railway through Hawick and Newcastleton, and on to Carlisle. They have also been strong advocates of upgrades to the Borders’ trunk road networks, including the A1, A68 and A7.
However, the eagerly awaited transport review instead focussed on other issues, such as active transport, the Just Transition and the importance of “place”.
Talking after the launch of the review, Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“This review is exceptionally disappointing. The SNP have chosen to adopt the misguided priorities of the Green Party over delivering roads that are fit for purpose and railways that can create opportunities for Borders communities.
“In their 15th year of negligence, it is hardly surprising that the SNP are yet again failing to prioritise these important issues.
“What is even more concerning is the distinct lack of concern the Scottish Government appear to be showing towards the Scottish Borders.
John Lamont MP said:
“The Review was a golden opportunity for the Scottish Government to get behind the transport infrastructure upgrades that the Scottish Borders and many other parts of Scotland desperately need. Instead, it appears that the SNP/Green Party Coalition are turning their backs on road and rail users.
“Borderers have, yet again, been ignored. Whilst this is hardly surprising, it is a real blow to all those who have campaigned tirelessly for the Borders Railway extension, and upgrades to our road network.
“The priorities of the SNP/Green Coalition are so far removed from the transport needs of many rural communities. This review is an enormous let down and in stark contrast to the UK Government’s Union Connectivity Review which highlighted the importance of cross border links for communities like ours.”
Cllr Mark Rowley said:
“It is hugely disappointing that Transport Scotland don’t recognise the huge success of the first phase of the Borders Railway and actively push for the connection onwards to Carlisle which would be transformational for the Borders and wider Borderlands.
“We’ll continue to push on with the feasibility study that was agreed in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal by 5 local authorities and both UK and Scottish Governments”