The contract is worth almost £635k in total.

Cabinet secretary for transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, said: “Soil Engineering Geoservices Ltd is a Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) and it’s great that the A9 Dualling programme is able to support and provide these opportunities for SME organisations, something that is vital to supporting sustainable economic growth in Scotland.

“This ground investigation contract also includes requirements that aim to reduce the carbon footprint of the works, including the use of renewable fuel sources and a focus on utilising local businesses and resources in the contractor’s supply chain.

“We continue to make steady progress on the A9 Dualling programme and today’s announcement is further evidence of that. These vital investigations will provide information to support tendering, design and construction of the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig and Pitlochry to Killiecrankie projects.

“This is in addition to preparations continuing for the commencement of work on the Tomatin to Moy project following award of that contract in July this year.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “We are on track to award the contract for the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project next Summer, which will be the fourth of the A9 Dualling projects to begin construction. We also expect to begin the procurement process for the Pitlochry to Killiecrankie project next Summer, work on which will be informed by the results of the ground investigation contract announced today.

“The ground investigation work is expected to commence in the next couple of months and to last for around 18 weeks.”