A decade of campaigning will pay off today when First Minister Nicola Sturgeon formally announces £24 million for a new flyover junction at Laurencekirk.
The news will be a massive boost for a spirited local campaign, led by Jill Fotheringham.
The announcement is part of £504 million of funding that the north east of Scotland has been allocated over the next five to 10 years to improve infrastructure and attract jobs.
It will also see around £200 million spent upgarding the east coast rail line at Montrose.
Last year the Scottish Government’s roads body for Aberdeenshire, Nestrans, declared a flyover as its preferred option for improving the junction which connects the A937 to the A90.
However, at the time the Government has said it was “too early” to set a timescale for the delivery of the flyover.
Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities Keith Brown said: “A grade-separated junction at Laurencekirk has been a long-standing commitment of the Scottish Government and we have been working hard with the two local authorities and Nestrans to deliver this much-needed scheme for the people of the north east as soon as possible, bringing improved road safety and economic benefits to road users and the local community in Laurencekirk and the north Angus area.”
Montrose councillor David May, who has also campaigned for the road improvements, said: “It seems sounds like finally the SNP government has listened to the concerted campaigning which has been led to superbly by Jill Fotheringham.
“As one of her campaign team it is clear to all of us that Jill should take a bow as it seems we now have the much needed flyover and she has forced a very reluctant government to at long last act.
“As an Angus councillor I am delighted to hear this as we have been waiting for almost 10 years to get this done.
“Finally all the pressures which have been put on the SNP Government have finally worked and will be a great boost to our Montrose and area economy as well as ensure the junction will be safe.”
Mr May described the rail funding as “equally good news”.
The line only has a single track at Ferryden, which means trains are delayed while waiting for others to pass.
He said: “It’s a major problem so I am absolutely delighted that funding has also been allocated for this. It will be a major piece of engineering work.”
For more on the funding announcements, see Friday’s Courier.