Stephen Flynn takes over Scotland’s transport brief as pressure grows over A9 and A96 upgrades

Former SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has been appointed Scotland’s new Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Transport and Tourism, immediately placing him at the centre of some of the country’s most politically sensitive infrastructure projects.

Flynn joins John Swinney’s reshaped cabinet following his election to the Scottish Parliament earlier this month, replacing Fiona Hyslop, who stepped down from the transport role last month.

The appointment means Flynn now takes responsibility for major transport commitments including the long-delayed dualling of the A9 and A96 trunk roads — projects that have faced years of political criticism, missed targets and growing frustration from communities and businesses across the Highlands and north-east Scotland.

The A9 dualling programme, intended to upgrade the route between Perth and Inverness, has become one of the Scottish Government’s most scrutinised infrastructure commitments after repeated delays to delivery schedules.

Similarly, the proposed dualling of the A96 corridor linking Inverness and Aberdeen remains highly contentious, with campaigners and local politicians continuing to press for clearer timelines and construction progress.

Within minutes of Flynn’s appointment, Highlands and Islands MSP Tim Eagle publicly called on the new transport secretary to prioritise both projects.

“As someone who lives in the north-east, Stephen Flynn must make the A9 and A96 a top priority by ending the perpetual talking shops and finally getting spades into the ground to dual these roads in full,” he said.

Flynn’s appointment also places him in charge of wider transport, economic development and tourism policy at a time when Scotland faces increasing debate over infrastructure investment priorities, public spending pressures and regional connectivity.

Before entering Holyrood, Flynn served as SNP leader at Westminster and became one of the party’s most high-profile MPs during a turbulent period in UK and Scottish politics.

His move into the Scottish Government is being viewed as a significant political promotion within the SNP as First Minister John Swinney reshapes his cabinet ahead of the next parliamentary term.

Meanwhile in Wales, transport responsibilities have also shifted following the formation of the country’s first Plaid Cymru-led government.

Mark Hooper MS has been appointed deputy transport minister as part of First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth’s newly announced ministerial team.