The LibDem leader Willie Rennie used the excuse of the General Election campaign to bring a De Lorean car like the one used in the film Back to the Future to South Queensferry this morning.
He wanted to explain that the SNP have not yet finished the Queensferry Crossing which is now running late. And he is clear why that is. It is all to do with independence.
Mr Rennie said: “It is back to the future with the SNP and their relentless campaign for another divisive referendum on independence.
“They are distracted from the day to day business of government.
“This is summed up by the latest SNP campaign postcard blunder.
“They have sent a postcard to voters which features the unfinished and delayed Queensferry Crossing.
“It sums the SNP up that they have issued a boastful postcard for a bridge that they promised everyone at the Scottish election last year was ‘on time’. Now it is delayed.
“This is just like everything else they do.
“The opening of the bridge has been delayed twice.
“It contrasts with the short 44 days it took the SNP to prepare fresh legislation on independence.
“We all appreciate the efforts made by the contractors and the workforce on the bridge.
“SNP ministers have taken their eyes off the ball on public services.
“They are so distracted they haven’t even noticed their own delays.
“In the last ten days we have learnt about the shortages in GP surgeries across Scotland. Mental health waiting times are horrendous.
“Scottish education is slipping down the international rankings.
“We heard those concerns echoed in the TV debate last Sunday.
“The SNP manifesto needs to cancel the divisive independence referendum so that the SNP can finally turn their attention full time to Scottish public services.”
The new bridge was initially due to open at the end of 2016 but has been beset by delays and will not open till the end of August 2017.
The 1.7 mile long bridge is costing The Scottish Government up to £1.35 bn to build and it will be the longest three tower cable stayed bridge in the world. The cables cross mid-span which provides extra strength and allows the deck to be more ‘slender and elegant’.
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