Upgrading the A75 has made the cut in a report into upgrading Scotland’s transport infrastructure.
But there has been criticism that there has been no firm commitment as to when the work included in the second version of the Scottish Government’s Strategic Transport Review will be carried out.
The final version of the report has been published following a series of consultations on a draft version that was released earlier this year.
More than 40 recommendations are included, with one in particular calling for upgrades to accessing Stranraer and the port at Cairnryan.
This would involve improvements on both the A75 and A77, with Springholm, Crocketford and Cuckoo Bridge in Dumfries among places where work is needed.
It is also suggested work should be carried out on rail links between Dumfries and Carlisle.
A delivery plan for the recommendations was due to be published at the same time as the final version of the report.
But, responding to a parliamentary question, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Due to the current huge lack of certainty around available capital budget and fiscal policy over recent months, this has not been possible as yet.
“As such the delivery plan will follow in 2023, which will include more detail on prioritisation and delivery timescales. However, I am pleased to note that work is already under way on 38 of the 45 recommendations.”
That wasn’t good enough for South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth, who said: “Given this Government’s track record on transport, few communities will believe that the vague commitments made in a review that is already years late, will ever be delivered.
“I’ve always said the south west is the forgotten region of Scotland when it comes to infrastructure improvements but the final STRP2 report shows the Scottish Government has nothing but contempt for the region.
“STPR2 remains full of vague promises and no detail, it is just not good enough.
“All local people in our region are asking for is that a fair share of the roads budget, whatever level that budget is, goes on improving the A75 and A77 - and that’s what I will continue fighting for.”
Galloway and West Dumfries Tory MSP, Finlay Carson, added: “There is a recommendation of bypasses around the villages of Crocketford and Springholm – but we have known about that for years and years. No indication has been given as to when we will actually hear shovels hitting the ground.
“It beggars belief that a Scottish Government that repeatedly harks on about Europe has thoroughly neglected the key route that links Scotland and the UK with Ireland and Europe. It is not only astonishing but pathetic.”
South Scotland SNP MSP Emma Harper called the final publication of the transport review a “key milestone”.
She added: “Now that we have the STPR2 recommendations, my focus is on lobbying the Scottish Government to get shovels in the ground and diggers in the dirt to deliver the upgrades to all aspects of our transport system across the south west of Scotland.
“To this end, I have requested an urgent meeting with the transport secretary, to make the case straight away. I also, again, extend my thanks to the A75 and A77 Action Groups for their continued work.”
Mr Smyth was also unhappy that STPR2 did not include plans to reopen the railway between Dumfries and Stranraer.
He asked Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth whether the Scottish Government supported the idea. She said it was assessed as part of SPRT but “did not form part of the strategic transport investment recommendations within STPR2”.
It does suggest “consideration” be given to upgrading or relocating Stranraer railway station”.
