Build the Bypass
2024Nairn, a picturesque seaside town known for its stunning beaches, championship golf courses, and award-winning bars and restaurants, is home to around 13,000 residents. Despite its appeal as a holiday destination, the town is severely impacted by the A96, a major trunk road that runs through its heart, connecting Inverness to Aberdeen. Over the years increasing traffic has caused significant bottlenecks, with residents sometimes facing a 40-minute drive to cover just 2.5 miles. The road’s proximity to a primary school, community centre and the High Street has also heightened concerns about road safety and pollution.
The need for a Nairn Bypass has been a long-standing issue, with discussions dating back to 2008, when the Scottish Government’s Strategic Transport Projects Review identified the necessity of upgrading the A96 and constructing a bypass, but the project has faced significant delays, with the completion date pushed to 2030, leaving the community increasingly frustrated.
After The Inverness Courier launched its Nairnshire edition it quickly became clear just how deep – and wide – those frustrations are: parents concerned about their children’s safety; businesses worried about the town becoming a less attractive destination; everyone concerned about the overall quality of life in the town. In response, the Inverness Courier, building on the momentum of its successful Dual the A9 campaign, launched the Build the Bypass campaign in November 2023 to provide a focus for urging the government to expedite this critical infrastructure project.
The campaign quickly gained traction, featuring in-depth interviews with residents, stakeholders and politicians. A pivotal moment came in May 2024, when the Courier organised a Build the Bypass public event in Nairn attended by Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop and leaders from Transport Scotland.
The event provided a platform for residents to share their experiences and emphasise the severe impact of the bypass delay on their daily lives. In a significant development, Ms Hyslop announced that the government would proceed with the next steps, including the process of land purchase between Inverness and Nairn, and provided a preliminary timeline for the project.
Since this event, the Inverness Courier has remained unwavering in its commitment to the campaign, continuing to report on accidents along the A96 and maintaining pressure on the government for updates and progress. The Courier is resolved to see the project through to completion, ensuring that the long-awaited bypass finally becomes a reality, enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and supporting the growth of the community of Nairn.
