The Inverness West Link project has reached another important milestone in its delivery as the Highland Council awarded the Stage 1 and Canal Parks Enhancement contract to Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd.

The local authority said the £22.5 million contract represents “an extremely competitive price” and relates well to estimates prepared in advance of the tender.

Arrangements are in hand with Wills Bros to allow an early start on the works which are scheduled to be completed in late 2017.

Cllr Audrey Sinclair, chair of the Highland Council’s planning development and infrastructure committee, said: “This award of contract is a major step which will see the construction of the final phase of the Inverness Southern Distributor Road linking the Dores Road roundabout to Glenurquhart Road. It will provide an alternative east-west route across the city of benefit to locals and the wider Highlands. It will also help relieve city centre congestion and provide new active travel routes across to the sports facilities at the Bught Park from the east of the city.”

Margaret Davidson, leader of the Highland Council, added: “This will provide a welcome boost to the local economy at a time when there are job losses in other sectors such as Oil and Gas. The council’s £1 billion capital programme will continue to support the Highland economy and create the conditions for future prosperity. The West Link project is a key part of helping deliver infrastructure for growth as part of the council’s Highland First commitments.”