Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route

The UK Supreme Court last week rejected the final legal protests which were holding back the badly-needed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project.

The objectors have not only now had their day in court but also the chance to appeal at the Court of Session, where their case was comprehensively dismissed and now a third bite of the cherry which, frankly, was a step too far and only served to further delay the project and increase costs to the taxpayer.

The people of the North-east signalled their clear wish that the road construction go ahead as quickly as possible, and the Scottish Government’s announcement that work on the project will begin immediately is good news for us all.

The Scottish Government has, throughout the process, remained steadfast in its determination to deliver this vital development for the North-east and, at last, we can move towards construction, and look forward to improved traffic flow, and the benefits for people, businesses and the economy alike in the North-east.

The potential benefits for the North-east of a completed AWPR are numerous. Greatly reduced journey times are the obvious example, and the new route has the potential to cut the current Stonehaven-Dyce journey time in half.

A new transport link around Aberdeen also supports local and national business and tourism in our area, and this arterial route will inject £6 billion into the local economy. It is also expected to create 14,000 jobs.

The Scottish Government is committed to getting work on the new road underway as quickly as possible, and ground is likely to be broken in autumn 2014.

Further, the construction contract itself is set to stipulate that job opportunities connected to the AWPR project must be advertised through local job centres, as well as ensuring opportunities are created for apprentices and graduates, ensuring a longer-term boost for our community and the economy.

Thanks to the Scottish Government, who have always supported the idea that Scotland should grow, not cut, its way out of challenging economic times, this and many other capital investment projects across Scotland will be seen through to fruition, benefitting us all both now, and in the future.

Winter Preparedness

With weather forecasts predicting temperatures to near freezing, accompanied by heavy rain for later in the week, the North-east is facing a severe weather warning, and a reminder to prepare for the coming winter.

Severe weather threatens to have a huge impact on both homes and the community and we cannot count on another mild winter like last year.

With temperatures dipping close to zero, Scottish Water is advising homeowners to begin fitting their water tanks with insulation jackets and to leave heating on low in order to prevent and reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes.

Also, an energy efficient home is cheaper and easier to heat and it is particularly important for vulnerable groups such as older people and young families that homes are effectively heated. Assistance is available for those finding it difficult to heat their homes and Scottish Government Energy Assistance Packages can help by providing tax credits, cavity and loft insulation and energy advice.

The Scottish Government has also this week launched the comprehensive winter preparedness guide Ready Scotland, containing advice and useful contacts in planning for the winter. Having a plan for clearing sudden snow fall, knowing where your local authority public grit bin is and knowing how to contact help if your mobility is limited could make all the difference should severe weather strike.

We’re hardy folk in the North-east, but working with neighbours to prepare could prevent potential trauma, expense and damage later on this winter; let’s keep safe and warm!