A Perthshire MSP has hailed the SNP-Green coalition at the Scottish Parliament.
But concerns have been raised that a controversial infrastructure project in Perth and Kinross could be “sacrificed” after the deal was confirmed this week.
Jim Fairlie, the MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, claimed the move should pave the way for a second independence referendum.
He said: “For the majority of members in our newly-elected parliament, the most important step we can take - to empower this parliament and the people of Scotland to be able to make the changes needed – is to become a modern independent country, so I asked the first minister what are the options available as we seek to provide the people of Scotland with the ability to determine our own future.
“As the first minister pointed out, this comes down to a basic question of democracy, both the parties now participating in the Scottish Government fought the election on a commitment to giving the people of Scotland a choice in a referendum.”
However, the deal prompted Conservative Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser to claim the Cross Tay Link Road project could be under threat.
The £118 million route, which has faced local opposition, will link the A9 between Inveralmond and Luncarty with the A93 and A94 north of Scone on the other side of the Tay.
According to Perth and Kinross Council, the six kilometre road, which requires Scottish Government funding, will help alleviate congestion and pollution in Perth and unlock land for development.
Scottish Green Mid Scotland Fife MSP Mark Ruskell has been a long-time critic of the road and set up a petition calling for it to be stopped.
Mr Fraser claimed the project could be “sacrificed on the altar of this SNP/Green ‘coalition of chaos’ deal”.
He added: “The Greens claim they have secured a shift away from road building, but there are now a host of local road projects which could be at risk thanks to them being in government.
“One such example is the Cross Tay Link Road, which is essential not just to unlock the economic potential of east Perthshire, but is vital to reduce congestion and air pollution – which are already at dangerous levels in Perth City Centre.”
Meanwhile, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce has urged the new government to help the business community recover after COVID.
Chamber chief executive Vicki Unite said: “The most important thing from a business perspective is economic recovery and it remains to be seen whether this agreement will further the cause of businesses, some of whom are clinging on by their fingernails.
“It is important that we are all pulling in the same direction, irrespective of political sympathies, to ensure that Scottish businesses get back on their feet and are able to meet the demands of a changing economy.
“Our business sector is key to the future success of our nation on every level and our social and economic fabric relies on a healthy, competitive and vibrant one.”
