Hurray, we built a road! The Cross Tay Link Road was opened this week, linking the A9 north of Scone to the A93 and A94, up into Scotland’s north east between the two main trunk roads, the A9 and the A90.

The Cross Tay Link Road, and the Destiny Bridge which spans the River Tay itself, is not a large road-build in the grand scheme of things, but it has extensive local and regional importance. The new road is expected to encourage almost a billion pounds of investment and the jobs and housing which sit alongside it.

It has taken a while; it is over eight years since the route was approved, and six since planning permission was granted. But it has happened, and that is to be celebrated.

Road building went out of fashion in Scotland a few years ago, but it seems that the new leadership at the helm of the Scottish Government have a far better grasp of the benefits (First Minister John Swinney and his Deputy, Kate Forbes, both live in constituencies which will leave them in no doubt).

I’m reflecting on roads this morning because, as I write, I am sitting on a train from Ayr to Stranraer. It’s perfectly pleasant; it’s a beautiful morning down here and on the occasions I glance up from my laptop the scene is soothing. However it wasn’t really the plan.

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