Transport Scotland has put a contract for a section of the A9 in Caithness out to tender.

The contract would see the notorious stretch of the road upgraded.

The road falls from 150m (492ft) to 20m (65ft) as it enters a valley at the Berriedale Braes. In addition, there is also a hairpin bend which can be difficult for drivers to negotiate.

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Rob Gibson, SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, welcomed the news.

He said: "The issue of Berriedale Braes is one that has continually been raised with me.

"I have, along with many others from the county, lobbied the Scottish government and the transport minister over making improvements to the Berriedale Braes.

"Realigning the Berriedale Braes will be a tricky job so it is important that every aspect of the process is carried out rigorously and in great detail."

The A9 is Scotland's longest trunk road.

The Government has said it is committed to upgrading the A9 between Perth and Inverness to dual carriageway.

(JP/CD)