A north-east road safety campaigner has called on parliamentary candidates to set party politics aside and work to upgrade the A90 Ellon to Peterhead road.
Aberdeenshire councillor, Gillian Owen, who has spearheaded the Why Stop At Ellon? campaign for two years, has written an open letter to all the local candidates standing in May’s Scottish election.
Mrs Owen said she was calling for their “endorsement and support” for the upgrade of the 14-mile stretch of carriageway, which is used by 9,000 cars every day.
The estimated cost of dualling the route, which is used by commuters, farmers, fish lorries and the subsea industry in Peterhead alike, is £140million.
In her letter, the Ellon and District councillor wrote: “The improvements to this road are essential, we cannot let this project drift off the agenda, for a whole raft of reasons which include safety, connectivity and economic development.
“I am asking all candidates in East Aberdeenshire and Banffshire and Buchan Coast to give their endorsement to the Why Stop At Ellon? campaign and, in particular, a pledge to campaign to dual from Ellon right through to Peterhead.”
The Conservative councillor said that although she recognised the road cannot be built next year, it is achievable “in the near future”.
She added: “I am hoping we can get strong support across the political divide and we can move the Why Stop At Ellon? campaign on to a new level.”
The letter has been sent to all four Aberdeenshire East constituency candidates: Colin Clark (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party), Sarah Flavell (Scottish Labour), Christine Jardine (Scottish Liberal Democrats) and Gillian Martin (Scottish National Party).
Mrs Owen has also contacted the four Banffshire and Buchan Coast candidates who represent Peterhead: Peter Chapman (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party), David Evans (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Nathan Morrison (Scottish Labour) and Stewart Stevenson (Scottish National Party).
A detailed Scottish transport appraisal guidance report is currently being put together to consider the business case for investing in major upgrades to the A90.