Fatal crashes prompts call for safety upgrades to 'dangerous' Aberdeenshire road

Calls have been made for greater safety upgrades to be made to one of the north-east's most dangerous roads after 17 collisions in two years.

Two people have died, eight have been seriously injured and 27 have suffered "slight injuries" in 2022 and 2023 on the A947 between Aberdeen and Banff.

The 38-mile carriageway, which passes through areas including Newmachar, Oldmeldrum, Fyvie and Turriff, has already seen several accidents this year.

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A man died on the A947 south of Newmachar in May, while in March three men were seriously injured in a collision involving two vans near Whiterashes.

The council also revealed that in one crash last year, a total of 12 people were injured, with the recent spate of crashes prompting new 40mph speed limits on two sections of the road near Fyvie and at Swailend Bridge near Newmachar Golf Club.

Scottish Conservative candidate for Gordon and Buchan, Harriet Cross, expressed her concerns after the statistics were revealed in a Freedom of Information request to Aberdeenshire Council.

She said: "The people and businesses of Gordon and Buchan need change, and these horrifying statistics show just how much of a priority upgrading the A947 should be.

"We have already seen a fatality near Newmachar this year and these tragic accidents are causing heartbreak to families across the area who have lost loved ones on this dangerous road.

"I have spoken to residents in places such as Newmachar, Oldmeldrum and Turriff who all want improvements made to several dangerous junctions and corners on the route which I am fully committed to.

"Aberdeenshire Council remains one of the lowest funded local authorities in Scotland and this is clearly having an impact on road maintenance and investment on the A947.

"The north-east needs its fair share of funding which will help to stop these tragedies from occurring and reverse the label of the A947 being one of the most dangerous roads in Britain."