A dozen schemes held up
Delays to key projects ‘have become the norm’ says Fraser
Murdo Fraser: ‘Warm words not backed up action’ (pic: Terry Murden)
A number of the Scottish Government’s flagship building projects have been hit by months of delays, according to new figures revealed in parliament.
In a progress update on major capital projects issued today, it was revealed that a dozen projects have been hit with further setbacks.
These include a delay of at least 17 months for the new Sick Kids Hospital in Edinburgh; a year for the Haudagain roundabout in Aberdeen and at least six months for a new prison in the Highlands.
Today’s document also reported delays of two years for the Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Programme and two years for electrification of the Stirling, Dunblane and Alloa rail project.
Scottish Conservative shadow finance secretary Murdo Fraser said: “It’s understandable that there will always be the odd delay to major projects, which can occur for a range of issues.
“But under the SNP this appears to have become the norm.
“And even when projects are finished on time, like the Queensferry Crossing, it seems beset by problems afterwards due to a rushed approach to get over the line.
“Within these new delays there are some serious projects which make a material difference to people’s lives, not least the new Sick Kids hospital in Edinburgh.
“As ever with the SNP, warm words are not backed up by action.”
Below is a breakdown of delays which have emerged since the last update six months ago:
|
Project |
Length of delay |
|
HMP Highland |
At least six months |
|
National Facility for Women Offenders |
Two months |
|
A90/A96 Haudagain Junction Improvement |
At least a year |
|
A90 Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route / BalmedieTipperty |
At least six months |
|
A9 Luncarty to Pass of Birnam |
At least a year |
|
Shotts Electrification |
Two months |
|
CMAL – Two new 100 metre ferries |
Six months |
|
Royal Hospital for Sick Children / Department of Clinical Neurosciences |
At least 17 months |
|
Woodside Health and Care Centre |
At least seven months |
|
Inverurie Health Care Hub & Foresterhill Health Centre |
Two months |
|
North West Campus |
At least two months |
|
Forth Valley College (Falkirk Campus) |
One month |
|
Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme |
Two years |
|
Stirling Dunblane Alloa Rail Electrification |
Two years |
|
|
