ROAD upgrades will not be threatened by the Greens joining the Scottish Government, Ian Blackford has insisted.

The SNP’s Westminster leader made the claim as his party’s new ministerial partners cast doubt over the dualling of the A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness because of the potential effect on climate change.

The Scottish Greens oppose this project and the upgrade of the A9, which both parties have confirmed will go ahead.

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If the SNP decided not to implement the full plan for the A96 the party would break an election manifesto pledge to improve the trunk road in the north-east of Scotland, which could damage their support in the area.

Yesterday, an Aberdeenshire councillor quit the SNP and warned that the party risked losing votes because of the pact with the Greens. 

Geva Blackett said the agreement neglected communities outside the urban central belt. 

She posted on social media: “Many rural jobs are under threat and involvement from the Green Party will no doubt see an agenda damaging to many of you pushed through to the statute book.”

Blackford insisted “these things will happen” when pressed on the plans for the A9 and A96. 

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“What is important is that we take account of safety and that will be key,” he told the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland.

The co-operation pact allows the SNP and Greens to “maintain distinct positions” on the A96 and states that the “current” plan is to dual the route between Inverness and Aberdeen.

The document casts doubt over new trunk road projects and places strict rules for upgrades focusing on safety, essential maintenance and reducing the effect on the environment. It also allows for policy disagreements over aviation, defence, Nato membership, field sports and independent schools.

In a statement issued after Blackford’s interview, the Greens stressed that full upgrade of the A96 would be subject to a climate review and highlighted the increased budget for better walking and cycling routes.

Patrick Harvie, the party’s co-leader, said: “Scotland has not met its climate commitments in recent years, and rising emissions from transport have been one of the main causes of this. Getting back on track means taking determined action to deliver a green, fair and affordable transport system for everyone. The draft co-operation agreement presents us with a golden opportunity to begin that process.”

The deal needs to be signed off by Green Party members. If it is ratified, the two parties will work together on a shared agenda for the next five years.

The Scottish Greens are holding a series of meetings this week with members with an extraordinary general meeting to take place this Saturday to vote on the deal.