| A funding package is almost in place and Fife councillors have agreed to underwrite the project’s costs to allow the final piece of the funding jigsaw to slot into place — an estimated £2.3 million sought as a Scottish Executive contribution .
Fife Council’s environment and development committee agreed if the cost of the new Rosyth link road exceeds £8.4 million, then the overspending risk will be accepted by the council. However, head of transportation services, Dr Bob McLellan, said this was unlikely.
He said, “The Rosyth Link Road will be built using a design-and-build tender. This means total cost will be determined before the contract is let, thus assessing any risk in advance.”
Five funding partners, including Fife Council, have agreed to put money into the much-needed link road. They are Fife Council (£1.5m), Scottish Enterprise Fife (£975,000), European Regional Development Fund (£1.5m), Forth Estuary Transport Authority (£800,000) and private industry (£1.25m).
“All that’s missing is the contribution from the Scottish Executive,” said Councillor Mike Rumney, who chairs the environment and development committee.
He added, “I am hoping for an early meeting with Scottish Transport Minister Nicol Stephen to ask for this final £2.3m. The fact that so many partners, including Europe, are offering financial support to this project underscores the need for this vital link between Rosyth and Scotland’s roads network.
“Fife Council worked hard to bring Superfast Ferries to Rosyth and it’s a nonsense that international travellers are forced to join the motorway via an totally inadequate single carriageway road.”
As well as having an impact nationally, the road will have a local impact. It is as a key element in the ongoing regeneration of Rosyth, said Cllr Rumney.
He added, “A lot of money is being invested in Rosyth, and a major part of the strategy for the town’s economic growth is this new road.”
If the Executive refuses to make a contribution, the road could still go ahead. But its design would need altered and further finance sought from the five funding partners, Cllr Rumney added.
“But that is a scenario we are not really contemplating. I’m sure Transport Minister Nicol Stephen will see the value of this project, not just to Fife but to the whole of Scotland.” |
