In addition, they will be able to see developing proposals for non-motorised users which includes over 18 miles off-carriageway shared-use facilities to improve safety for cyclists, equestrians and walkers while also helping connect local communities along the route.

As a further sign of progress on the scheme, vital archaeological, geophysical and metal detecting surveys will get under way this month to help identify any archaeological features still present under the ground.

Keith Brown, cabinet secretary for infrastructure, investment and cities, said: “As part of this government’s ambitious plans to dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen, we have been pressing ahead with the design work for the Inverness to Nairn section including a bypass at Nairn. This work is at a more advanced stage than the rest of the dualling programme with the preferred option identified and the draft orders expected to be published later this year.

“As for all our major road schemes, public engagement is at the heart of our plans and the changes we are proposing to the preferred option are partly as a result of the vital feedback received.

“At the same time as progressing the preferred option, we are developing proposals for a suitable shared-use path for non-motorised users including cyclists and walkers. The proposal on display include improving connectivity between Inverness and Nairn and enhancing the existing paths in many of the small communities along the route.

“We are also stepping up the work on the ground to help inform the design with surveys getting under way later this month to identify any archaeological features under the ground, and at the same time taking the opportunity to examine the site of the Battle of Auldearn – an important part of Scotland’s heritage.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest to come along to one of the drop-in sessions over the next few days to see our proposals or view them online.”