Transport Minister Keith Brown says he has received reassurances from Transport Scotland that disruption during the Kessock Bridge repairs will be minimised when the work starts next month.

Delays caused frustration for many commuters during the Longman Roundabout advance works earlier this week.

Mr Brown requested assurances that sufficient plans were in place to ensure the situation would not be repeated.

Operating company Scotland Transerv has apologised unreservedly for mistakes that led to the delays and disruption.

Mr Brown said: "Repairs and upgrade works are essential to keep our roads safe and in good working order but effective planning and communication are vital to ensure individuals, businesses and communities can go about their daily business with minimal disruption. Since Monday, Scotland Transerv has undertaken a thorough review of communications and senior managers are putting additional measures and resources in place to ensure there is no repeat of Monday’s situation.

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"I understand that this was an isolated incident, not part of the main Kessock Bridge contract, and have had reassurances that two years of planning, consultation and a £2m investment by Transport Scotland in advance of this project will ensure commuters do not face a similar situation next month.

"There has been significant investment in public transport, including a new Conon Bridge Station, additional capacity on buses and trains and bus lanes to allow faster access to the city during the works.

"All of these measures will be in place for the works starting on 11 February and while delays are inevitable with major repairs such as these, local stakeholders, including The Highland Council, have said they are confident that sufficient steps have been taken to minimise the disruption."

Measures in place to minimise disruption during the works include:

- Doubling of peak-time train services into Inverness

- Re-opening of Conon Bridge Station

- Additional car parking at Ross County Football Stadium in Dingwall and at Beauly station

- A dedicated bus lane on the A9 south running from south of the Tore Roundabout to the Kessock Bridge and additional Stagecoach bus services to and from the Black Isle

- A new local car-sharing scheme

- A dedicated southbound slip road from Stadium Road to the A9 south and a dedicated bus lane at this arm of Longman Roundabout.

- New traffic lights at the Longman Roundabout, Rose Street Roundabout and at the junction of Henderson Road/Longman Road.

(IT)