NFU Scotland has called on Scotland’s transport system to deliver reliable and cost-effective transportation between island, rural and semi-rural locations in order to underpin the agricultural and crofting businesses and communities at the heart of these areas.  NFU Scotland made the call after responding to a Transport Scotland consultation into the nation’s future transport strategy.

Compiling the Union’s submission, Policy Advisor Zoe Meldrum said: “Maintenance of a safe, efficient transport system is vital for our island, rural and semi-rural members from an environmental, economic and social perspective.

“It’s vital any future transport network changes are conducted with a ‘rural first’ approach to ensure all rural enterprises are placed at the centre of infrastructure improvements.

“It should always be borne in mind that farming and crofting are mainstays for employment in rural, often remote communities, as well as a key driver in rural and island population retention.

“Many NFUS members live in rural and remote areas and rely heavily on the road, rail and ferry network to go about their day to day business. Considerations such as resilience in poor weather, lack of available public transport options and the ability of agricultural traffic to utilise the road network need to be reflected in subsequent policy.”  

Highlands and Islands Scottish Conservative MSP, Donald Cameron, said:

“I am pleased that NFU Scotland are responding robustly in their submission because the concerns of rural Scotland about the state of our transport infrastructure have been all but ignored by Nicola Sturgeon’s government.

“One thing that the SNP Government could do immediately is to support the Scottish Conservative proposal to improve Scotland’s roads with a £100m Pothole Action Fund. Anybody who drives, as I do, around the Highlands and Islands on a regular basis will know that we desperately need action to improve many of our roads.”