Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser is urging new SNP Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop to focus on dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness.
His call comes after she was appointed to the role by First Minister Humza Yousaf following the resignation of Kevin Stewart.
Mr Fraser has also urged the new minister to fund local authorities and stakeholders in an attempt to stop cuts to local bus services. He says that upgrading transport infrastructure in Perthshire is vital for the local economy and attracting people to live and work in the area.
He added that successive SNP Transport Ministers have failed to prioritise the transport needs of people and businesses in Perthshire.
Commenting, Murdo Fraser said: “I wish Fiona Hyslop well in her new role but the new SNP Transport Minister must urgently focus on dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness.
“There has been a real lack of progress with dualling and also questions asked as to whether the SNP Government will complete the whole project.
“The Transport Minister must also ensure our communities in Perthshire are better connected and that starts with her stopping cuts to local bus services. This is particularly relevant in rural and remote communities in the region.
“It is vital that councils and other stakeholders have centralised funding from the SNP-Green Government so that residents can access buses to get to the likes of appointments, to work and to meet friends and family.”
Mr Fraser continued: “Successive SNP Transport Ministers have failed to address the transport needs in Perthshire and I will be pressuring Fiona Hyslop at every turn to ensure that attitude changes.”
