Local Scottish Liberal Democrat Councillors Andrew Hassan (Mid Formartine) and Marion Ewenson (Inverurie & District) today welcomed news relayed to all Councillors in a briefing session that “no new A96 routes have been discarded” as the debate goes on as to which side of Inverurie the new route will go.

There was a particularly warm welcome that the route close to the A947 travelling past Oldmeldrum and Newmachar, referred to as ‘Option Q’, has not yet been ruled out – despite many hints previously that this was the case.

“I was pleased with the reassurance given today that it is not a forgone conclusion that the route will swing to the left of Inverurie” commented Cllr Hassan.

“I have long been of the opinion that moving the route East of Inverurie is probably the best, not solely to save Bennachie, but also to try and alleviate the many congestion problems of Inverurie and Oldmeldrum and other issues previously highlighted by the A947 Route Improvement Strategy”.

“However, I did ask the team from Transport Scotland to have closer engagement with the Meldrum, Bourtie and Daviot Community Council as if the route does move towards the East but not along the A947 route it would impact greatly on residents in that part of Mid Formartine – Daviot particularly”.

Cllr Ewenson also welcomed the news that all routes were still possible adding “the large attendance at the consultation event in Inverurie demonstrates just how important these plans are to local people.”