Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, and Perth and North Perthshire MP, Mr Pete Wishart, have welcomed news that an additional £50 million will be invested in the Tay cities region to support manufacturing businesses and the delivery of the Cross Tay Link Road.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed £40 million will be invested in the new road, which will link the A9 over the River Tay to the A93 and A94 north of Scone, reducing congestion in Perth and opening up sites for housing and economic development.
The remaining £10 million will fund an industrial investment programme to support manufacturing businesses across the region - covering Dundee, Perth, Angus and the north of Fife.
This funding is in addition to the Scottish Government’s £150 million commitment to the Tay Cities Region Deal and brings overall Scottish Government investment in the area to £200 million over the next ten to 15 years.
Commenting, Mr Swinney said:
“This additional £50m investment is welcome news, and indicative of the Scottish Government’s steadfast commitment to transforming the Tayside region.
“The Cross Tay Link Road will markedly improve traffic congestion and air quality, whilst opening up Perth and the surrounding areas to further development, expansion and investment.
“I am therefore delighted that this vital infrastructure project has been approved, and I look forward to the sustained benefits it will bring in the decades to come.”
Mr Wishart added:
“It is great to hear that the Scottish Government are bringing forward an additional £40 million to see the vital Cross Tay Link Road become a reality. This is a significant investment in Perthshire, and one that will help to support the growing population in and around the Fair City.
“I am certain that the additional funding to support manufacturing businesses in the local area will also be hugely welcome. Overall, the Tay Cities Deal will be massively important to the Perthshire economy and I look forward to seeing the projects commence.”
