Moray’s business leaders unite to demand urgent action on A96 dualling

A joint letter has been sent to the Scottish Government by Moray Council Leader Cllr Kathleen Robertson; Moray Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Sarah Medcraf; and Federation of Small Businesses Development Manager Mike Duncan. The letter urges the Scottish Government to commit to fully upgrading the A96 to a dual carriageway between Aberdeen and Inverness.

The letter follows the recent A96 Corridor Review consultation, where 76% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the draft outcomes. The message from Moray’s public, private, and third sectors is clear: full dualling of the A96 is essential.

Key Points Raised in the Letter:

• Economic Growth: Dualling the A96 is vital for business confidence, attracting investment, and unlocking private sector growth. It supports major developments like ScotWind and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.
• Safety: Grade-separated junctions would reduce road casualties by at least 970 over 60 years. Recent fatal accidents highlight the urgent need for safer infrastructure.
• Connectivity: The A96 links two of Scotland’s key cities. Better journey times and reliability are crucial for regional and national competitiveness.
• Housing and Planning: Delays in bypassing towns like Elgin could impact housing delivery, including affordable homes - a Scottish Government priority.
• Green Energy Transition: Improved transport links will support supply chains and access to employment in the renewables sector.
• Public Support: The Moray community overwhelmingly backs full dualling. Other transport improvements should complement, not replace, this upgrade.

The letter also calls for a clear plan with milestones and completion dates, warning that continued delays risk marginalising northern communities and undermining Scotland’s economic potential.

Moray Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “The people and businesses of Moray have waited long enough. The overwhelming support for full dualling is clear, and the recent consultation confirms that. We need a firm commitment from the Scottish Government, with a clear timeline and investment plan. Every delay puts lives at risk, holds back growth, and undermines confidence. Moray deserves better - and we’re united in calling for action now.”

Moray Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Sarah Medcraf, added: “Full dualling of the A96 is not just a transport project, it’s an economic lifeline for Moray and the wider region. Businesses need certainty and connectivity to invest, grow and create jobs. Every delay undermines confidence, impacts housing and infrastructure delivery, and risks leaving the North of Scotland behind. The message is clear: full dualling must remain a top priority for the Scottish Government.”

Mike Duncan, Development Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses in North Scotland, commented: “Transportation and logistics are essential to so many smaller businesses in Moray. Improving our trunk road infrastructure is a fundamental step towards helping these businesses grow and thrive, attracting new people to the region and taking full advantage of the ambitious new projects planned along the Moray Firth coast.

“We’re calling on the Scottish Government to build on the progress and investment that has already been made and deliver an economic lifeline to the people of Moray. They must follow through on their commitment to fully dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen.”

Read the full letter HERE