THE CLAMOUR of calls for Scotland’s deadliest road to be comprehensively upgraded is reaching a crescendo.

Influential figures at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) are the latest to insist that the A9 be dualled along at least part of its 122-mile Perth to Inverness stretch.

The road has been the scene of numerous fatal accidents over the years, with the repeated switches from single to dual carriageway blamed for many of the incidents.

In a dossier being presented to the Scottish Parliament—entitled The Scottish Economy, The Priority Of Priorities—the CBI outline the economic case for the upgrade.

North Tayside MSP John Swinney has campaigned on the issue for many years and was delighted to learn of the CBI’s potentially influential backing.

“I was very pleased to read the CBI have recognised the dualling of the A9 should be a priority,” he said.

“Along with 11 other commitments big business is expecting the Scottish Executive, in the short term, to complete the dualling of the A9 from Perth to Pitlochry, with increased passing opportunities north to Inverness.

“It is clear that this influential business organisation has recognised that dualling has to take place.”

Mr Swinney firmly believes that such representations must make officials at Holyrood sit up and take notice.

“The Scottish Executive has not even gone as far as acknowledging that any dualling should take place,” he said.

“The desire from the CBI to see a short term dualling to Pitlochry is certainly a start.”

He believes business is beginning to identify the need for an upgraded A9.

“This latest development—coupled with input from the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) who have also called for improvements—shows a groundswell of opinion within the business community,” Mr Swinney said.

“This comes just as I question the Scottish Executive again about what progress is being made on improving road safety on the A9 north of Perth.

“I hope that we can see dualling of the A9 sooner rather than later and I welcome the input given by the business community,” Mr Swinney added.