Funds allocated for A75 upgrade suggestions

THE Scottish Government will today receive £3.45m to help fund a feasibility study looking at ways to improve the A75.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will visit Paisley today to announce £66 million of investment in Scottish transport.

The investment will help workers access jobs in high growth sectors supercharged by the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy and Spending Review.

Ahead of her visit, the Chancellor of the Exchequer yesterday said: “We’re pledging billions to back Scottish jobs, industry and renewal – that’s why we’re investing in the major transport projects, including exploring upgrades to the A75, that local communities have been calling for.

“Whilst previous governments oversaw over a decade of decline of our transport infrastructure, we’re investing in Britain’s renewal. This £66 million investment is exactly what our Plan for Change is about, investing in what matters to you in the places that you live.”

The Scottish Government will be given an extra £3.45 million to suggest upgrades to the A75 in Dumfries and Galloway.

The key road through the region, which links Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK, is vital to UK connectivity and growing the economy. This new money comes on top of the up-to-£5 million announced at the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget last year.

Scotland Secretary Ian Murray MP said: “This £66 million investment in Scotland’s roads demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and driving economic growth in all parts of the UK as part of our plan for change.

“The A75 is strategically important just not within but beyond Scotland. Its upgrading is long overdue. I am pleased that the UK Government has stepped up to fund the delivery of the A75 feasibility study in full.

“This investment is yet another example of how the UK Government is building the foundations for a stronger, more prosperous future that benefits communities right across Scotland.”