A75 and cross-border rail targeted by new UK Government investment

The UK Government has committed to upgrading the A75 in the south-west of Scotland and improving cross-border train links.

As part of an interim report on transport by Sir Peter Hendry, a number of projects have been identified to “jump-start” connectivity across the UK.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has committed £20m to the development of these projects.

He said: “We will harness the incredible power of infrastructure to level up parts of our country that have too long been left off the transport map.

"This pioneering review by Sir Peter Hendy gives us the tools we need to deliver on our ambitions for a UK-wide transport network that encompasses sea, rail, and road.”

The UK Government has said it would work closely with the devolved administrations on the development studies, including a feasibility study on the A75.

The route connects Gretna, Dumfries and Stranraer with Northern Ireland but is almost entirely single carriageway.

Hendry’s final report is expected in the summer, which will identify further options for improving the UK’s transport network.

He said: “Devolution has been good for transport, but it has also led to a lack of attention to connectivity between the four nations, due to competing priorities and complex funding. A UK Strategic Transport Network could resolve this, with its core objective centred around levelling up across the whole of the UK.”

Scottish secretary Alister Jack welcomed the interim report. He said: “Better transport within Scotland and improving our connections with other parts of the UK is a key element of this work… It is right that the UK Government invests in major infrastructure projects in Scotland to boost the whole UK economy.”