Today I am launching a petition to the Scottish Transport Secretary calling for a proper Highland Roads Funding Plan.
Why? Because after sitting through yet another council debate on our crumbling roads, I realised the SNP-led Highland Council administration plan to do nothing.
Highland Council has identified £233 million of repairs. Yet we are allocating only around £22.5 million a year. In Lochaber alone, the backlog is £12.5 million — and we’re receiving £2 million.
Worse still, many parts of the Highlands aren’t even being told the true scale of their backlog.
When I called for the Council to formally lobby the Scottish Government for more funding, SNP councillors voted against doing so. We were told there was “no point”.
I fundamentally disagree.
If the SNP-led administration at Highland Council won’t stand up to their own government, then the people of the Highlands will.
Our roads aren’t a luxury. They are essential for businesses, tourism, emergency services and everyday life.
That’s why I’m asking residents across the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency to sign this petition and demand a fair funding deal.
Let’s send a message to Edinburgh that the Highlands will not accept managed decline.
It’s time to Fix Our Highland Roads.