Swinney told about 'desperation' of A9 safety amid calls to improve road
There have been a spate of recent collisions on the Inverness to Perth section, including a man's death on Sunday.
A campaigner says the situation around improving the A9 is now "desperate" following yet another fatality on the road.
There have been a spate of recent collisions on the Inverness to Perth section, including a man's death on Sunday.
Following a meeting with Laura Hansler from the A9 Dual Action Group and opposition politicians, John Swinney says the Scottish Government is "utterly focused" on the dualling of the A9.
However, Laura fears collisions and injuries on the road are "only going to get worse."
FM "pressed" on A9 dualling
Campaigners and politicians have long criticised the project to fully dual the road between Perth and Inverness in a drive for greater safety.
The First Minister met with MSPs from other parties and campaigner Laura Hansler, of the A9 dual action group, just days after yet another life was lost on the road.
She said: "We have had multiple fatalities, we have people with life changing injuries.
"It's getting to be a desperate situation for the people in the Highlands and Islands.
"Maybe the First Minister didn't really realise how it was affecting us, he does now.
"We've pressed him as hard as we can.
"We have families left without loved ones and it's not the school holidays yet, we're not in peak season.
"This is only going to get worse.
"We're all singing from the same song sheet, which is absolutely essential.
"We're all coming at this from the one direction so the Scottish Government have to listen to this collective."
Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant said: "After 14 years of inaction and delay on the A9, people in the north continue to wait for news.
"Every year the SNP failed to deliver on their promise to dual this deadly road has been another of anxiety, stress and grief for those Highland drivers who are just trying to get from A to B.
"There is no more time to waste - the Scottish Government must follow up this meeting by setting out a clear plan now, including timescales and costings and report regularly on progress to the Parliament.
"Plans and progress must be transparent to MSPs, and their constituents can gauge progress for themselves. This dangerous road must be upgraded as a matter of urgency and Scottish Labour will continue to fight to make it happen."
Scottish Government "utterly focused" on improving road
Following the meeting, Mr Swinney said: "I was pleased to have the opportunity this afternoon to meet with colleagues across the Parliament and Ms Hansler to discuss the Scottish Government's plan for dualling the A9.
"One life lost on Scotland's roads is one too many and our sympathies are with all of those who have been affected by any of the recent accidents on Scotland's road network.
"This essential route through the Highlands must be safe, reliable and resilient - and that is why we continue to be steadfast in our commitment to delivering A9 dualling.
"This commitment is further demonstrated by the most recent progress made in the programme's delivery plan, with the publication of the contract notice for the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig section and the anticipated award of the Tomatin to Moy contract in the coming weeks.
"The Scottish Government is utterly focused on achieving the targets set in the delivery plan and it is our intention for construction to roll continually until dualling between Perth and Inverness is complete by the end of 2035."