To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Transport Scotland and Amey regarding the repairs that are required at Union bridge on the A96 in Keith. (S6O-03842)

Repairing the A96 Union bridge is a priority, and that expectation has been made clear to our operating company, Amey. However, undertaking the repairs has been complicated by buried services, the work being adjacent to a watercourse, the environmental permissions that are required prior to commencing the works, and the importance of engaging the community in the proposed works so that they know what to expect.

All of that work has now been developed or is under way, and I expect to receive a proposal setting out the permanent repair and the timescale for completion shortly. I will be happy to update relevant members once those decisions have been made.

I am grateful for that response, and it should be a priority, but this traffic upgrade has been required since July on a crucial trunk road—the A96, which takes people from Aberdeen to Inverness.

It is important to say that Keith is open for business, but when I have spoken to shop owners recently, they have said that they are seeing a big downturn in footfall because of the restrictions in place and the impact that those restrictions have had on traffic.

Will the cabinet secretary do everything that she can to accelerate the works? As I say, months have passed and so far nothing has happened on the ground. Will she meet with me and business owners in Keith so that she can hear at first hand the impact that it is having on them?

I understand that meetings have taken place with businesses and with members of the Scottish Parliament about the disruption. That engagement is taking place in order to minimise the impact of the disruption, so I am quite confident that the member has had an opportunity to take part in such discussions.

The works are expected to commence in early winter and to be complete before spring 2025. The work is predominantly from the river, and a lane of the A96 will remain open during the works, controlled by temporary traffic lights, as at present. However, it is a complex site. It has a waste-water pipe, a gas main and BT cables, and environmental consultations are also needed.

I referred to engagement in my initial answer. The member asked for further engagement, but engagement has already been taking place and indeed will continue to take place with businesses to make sure that they understand what will be happening and when.