Announced today by Transport Scotland, the design contract for the Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) scheme is subject to a mandatory standstill period.

Cabinet secretary for infrastructure, investment and cities, Keith Brown, said: “The Scottish Government has given a clear commitment to dual the A96 which will see delivery of around 88 miles of upgraded road between Inverness and Aberdeen, a huge task but one we are relishing.

“Dualling the A96 requires careful, in-depth planning and design so that we deliver the right scheme and help tackle congestion, make journey times more reliable and, crucially, improve road safety.

“This £30m design contract for the 19-mile section between Inverness and Nairn which includes a bypass at Nairn, reinforces our determination to invest in this road and all of our city-to-city roads, to bring them up to full dual carriageway standard.

“Design work will start soon to develop the preferred option which was on public display last October, and look to publish draft road orders for the scheme in 2016. In addition to this, we are also pushing ahead with early engineering and environmental assessment work for the entire A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen, and will be holding exhibitions along the route this spring to let the public see and comment on our plans.”

Mr Brown added that individuals, communities and businesses affected by the work will be kept fully informed as the Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) scheme is further progressed.