MSPs criticise cost of bypass

OPPOSITION MSPs have cast doubt on the funding of a controversial £400 million city bypass.

Finance secretary John Swinney approved the 28-mile Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route late last year despite opposition from local residents and environmental campaigners.

The Cabinet secretary said in a statement to parliament yesterday that the absence of a bypass is an "obvious gap" in the national road network.

But Labour transport spokesman Charlie Gordon said the costs are likely to top 400m.

"Is the Cabinet secretary serious about letting the main roadworks contract for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route within the lifetime of this parliament, or is it window-dressing for the future Scottish Parliament elections?"

Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles said: "We still don't know how this project is going to be paid for."

Friends Of The Earth and the Scottish Green Party also criticised the plans.