Transport Connectivity in Rural Scotland

That the Parliament recognises the importance of good transport connectivity to the long-term sustainability and resilience of rural and island communities across Scotland; believes that people are less likely to live, work, raise families and invest in rural areas when reliable connections to employment, education, healthcare and essential services cannot be guaranteed; notes with concern the growing number of rural bridges that are closed, restricted or in need of significant repair, including Cloddach Bridge, Arthur’s Bridge, the Spey Viaduct and other bridges across Moray and the wider Highlands and Islands region; believes that the closure or prolonged restriction of such infrastructure can have a disproportionate impact on rural communities; notes the calls on the Scottish Government to create a dedicated National Bridge Restoration Fund to allow local authorities to apply for funding to fix these vital links; acknowledges the £2 bus fare cap pledge in the Highlands and Islands, but believes that affordable fares are of limited benefit where bus services are infrequent, unreliable or have been withdrawn; notes the calls on the Scottish Government to establish a Small Town and Rural Bus Services Fund that would allow local authorities to apply for additional funding to keep bus routes open; recognises the vital role of air services in connecting remote and island communities; welcomes the launch of Project SEAN by Bristow, in partnership with HIAL, HITRANS and other organisations, which will develop electric aviation infrastructure across the Highlands and Islands; believes that new technologies could support the development of future passenger, NHS, cargo and other essential services to communities with poor connectivity; recognises the importance of delivering long-promised improvements to Scotland’s strategic road network, including the dualling of the A9 and A96 and a permanent solution to the A83 Rest and Be Thankful; believes that repeated delays, reviews and further rounds of planning cannot substitute for delivery, and notes the calls on the Scottish Government to match its commitments on tackling rural depopulation with the funding and action necessary to deliver the transport infrastructure and services that rural Scotland needs to remain populated, prosperous and connected.