Following ongoing engagement with Transport Scotland, ACE members in Scotland have written an open letter to the newly appointed Transport Minister, Kevin Stewart.

To meet the Scottish Government’s strategic objectives, the continuation and development of sustainable and effective transport is imperative. The open letter outlines the challenges ACE members working in the sector are facing, and provides possible solutions for how industry and government can collaborate to overcome them.

Despite the publication of the Second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) report and the government’s continued commitment to the dualling of the A9 and A96 trunk roads, the letter notes that many important projects remain unfunded.

ACE members have sought clarity on the future pipeline of infrastructure projects to provide the well-needed clarity and confidence the sector needs, whether this be in relation to budgets, staff or resources.

The letter also highlights challenges and obstacles around current procurement policy that is often risk averse and rewards the lowest price with a lack of focus on value for money. This often results in organisations seeking to work elsewhere.

Commenting on the open letter, ACE Policy Officer in Scotland, Olivia Smalley said: ‘This letter is what hopes to be the start of an ongoing dialogue with Scottish Government in relation to the transportation sector in Scotland’s needs.

The letter also highlights the challenges of a lack of a clear pipeline of future projects, procurement policy challenges and a skills shortage that all of our members working in Scotland and more widely face.’

ACE members look forward to receiving a response from the Minister and continuing to work with the Scottish Government and its agencies.

To get involved in ACE's Committee in Scotland, please contact Olivia Smalley.

Read a copy of the open letter here. To find out more about ACE’s Policy Activity in Scotland and read our Scotland Policy Manifesto.