Committee
Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee 17 May 2023
17 May 2023 · S6 · Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee
Item of business
Continued Petitions
A82 Upgrade (PE1967)
Thank you. The petitioners would contest the level of complication that is being suggested, but the difficulty that I have is that there needs to be a reality check, because it looks as though, in its response to you, the national park authority is likely to object to the existing route. That will take time in itself. If that is the scenario that is being suggested—it is certainly what I read from its submission—we could be talking about ages, in planning terms, before that is concluded. The STAG is the accepted way forward. I would not want it to be held up unduly—I do not think that anybody would—but the reality is that it is likely to be contested, regardless of which route is picked.
In the same item of business
The Convener
Con
The next petition, PE1967, is on protecting Loch Lomond’s Atlantic oak wood shoreline by implementing the high road option for the A82 upgrade between Tarbet...
Jackie Baillie
Lab
Thank you very much, convener. I point out that John Urquhart is in the gallery, such is the interest in the petition. Far be it from me to pick up the conv...
The Convener
Con
Thank you, Ms Baillie. Indeed, you pointed out to us on a previous occasion that we have a reputation for liking to get out and about from Holyrood and, in o...
Fergus Ewing
SNP
As always, Jackie Baillie has set out a strong case for that for which she advocates. In considering whether we should recommend a STAG report be produced,...
The Convener
Con
I am content to invite Jackie Baillie to respond. I think that she indicated that she might like to make a further comment. 11:15
Jackie Baillie
Lab
Thank you. The petitioners would contest the level of complication that is being suggested, but the difficulty that I have is that there needs to be a realit...
The Convener
Con
That is fair enough. Thank you.
David Torrance
SNP
If we are going to visit Loch Lomond, we will be just as well to go up the road a wee bit to the Rest and be Thankful to see Jackie Baillie’s other area.
Jackie Baillie
Lab
I would be delighted, convener.
David Torrance
SNP
I wonder whether we can write to the Minister for Transport to ask whether he will do a full STAG report on the second option and raise the concerns of the L...
The Convener
Con
Are we agreed on those actions? Members indicated agreement.
The Convener
Con
I also suggest that we look at the possibility of arranging a visit for those members of the committee who might like to visit the area. It is quite a compli...