Ground investigations have commenced at Berriedale Braes, on the northernmost section of the A9, in order to identify a solution to the hairpin bend.

Transport Minister Keith Brown visited the site to see the work begin.

He said: "The Scottish Government has signalled its commitment to addressing the road alignment at Berriedale Braes, easing the problem for HGVs and other long vehicles in particular.

"To help identify the right solution, we are carrying out detailed design work and these ground investigations are a vital part of that.

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"As the design work progresses we will continue to work with our partners and expect to have a preferred option ready next summer."

Minister Brown continued: "This is just one element of our ongoing work to improve the A9 with the ambitious programme to dual the route between Perth and Inverness, the first government ever to commit to do so.

"Work is gathering pace with surveys underway and the procurement of the three design contracts about to get underway."

The contract for the works, which was recently awarded to BAM Ritchies, is valued at £90,000 and is expected to last for three weeks.

Transport Scotland is providing additional funding to cover the total cost of the GI works to progress this stage of the design process.

(JP/CD)