Transport Scotland has unveiled its shortlist for the £5.5m Crianlarich bypass construction contract.

Five construction companies have been invited to bid for the work.

Construction work is expected to begin this summer and is scheduled to finish 12 months later.

The five firms shortlisted for the project are Balfour Beatty, John Paul Construction, RJ McLeod, I&H Brown and Graham Construction.

In addition to the bypass, the government body has also said it intends to award a £2m design contract for improvements to a nearby stretch of the A82, from Tarbet to Inverarnan.

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Design work on the 10 mile (16km) section of the road is expected to begin this month and will take two years to complete. The scheme will be carried out by a Halcrow Fairhurst joint venture.

Discussing the investments, Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "This government is firmly committed to upgrading the A82, as seen by our recent announcement on the Pulpit Rock works starting later this month.

"Our recognition of the A82 as a vital economic and social lifeline, means, through local consultation, we have developed a programme of road closures that will have less impact on road users, local residents, businesses and visitors."

(JP/CD)