Campaigner says Caithness roads are at a "crisis point"
Earlier this week, Highland Council agreed to contact Scottish Government and ask for more road investment for the Far North
Last updated 8th Feb 2023
A Highland campaigner is backing calls for Scottish Government intervention as Caithness roads have reached a "crisis point."
Earlier this week, councillors vowed to write to Holyrood ministers on the issue.
Members of the Caithness Committee agreed to say "Highland Council, particularly Caithness" needs additional urgent capital investment for the region's roads.
Iain Gregory, from the Caithness Roads Recovery (CRR) group now wants to see major investment on the matter, before routes become "impassible."
"Multi million pound" investment needed
Iain helped form CRR in 2021 to outline how much of an issue potholes and road deterioration was to the region.
The former Police Area Commander outlined to us how the situation is only getting worse.
He said: "Two years ago they were very bad, now we are at crisis point.
"We are speaking about multi-million pounds to get things right.
"We are now at the point where every single day I am receiving contact from members of the public whose vehicles have been damaged, people are falling over."
Iain says people are now avoiding particular roads and how he's desperate for the Scottish Government to take action.
He added: "I hope we get we're going to get a positive result.
"There are many demands especially at times like this with a cost of living crisis.
"But this is a long term issue, this hasn't just built up over the last year or two, it's over the last 10 years.
"Some roads are going to become virtually impassible.
"We're already hearing from people who are saying they are avoiding particular roads and routes in the county because they are no longer practical to use."
Scottish Councils to receive an extra £147m in capital funding
The Scottish Government says any extra cash would require cuts to the national budget.
A spokesperson said: "Despite UK Government cuts, we have protected councils in the most challenging Budget since devolution to provide more than £13.2 billion in the 2023-24 Local Government Settlement - a cash increase of over £570 million or 4.5%, which is a real terms increase of £160.6 million or 1.3%.
"We have provided local government with an additional £147.1 million capital funding in 2023-24.
"Highland Council will receive £555.4 million to fund local services in 2023-24 - an extra £31.8 million to support vital day to day services or an additional 6.1% compared to the previous year.
"Maintenance of the local road network is the responsibility of local authorities and it is up to councils to manage their own budgets and allocate on the basis of local needs and priorities.
"Any call for additional funding of this type would require cuts to the Scottish Budget in other areas."
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