The third and final design contract for the A9 Dualling project has been awarded.

The deal, valued at £40m, will see the road between Tomatin and Moy, and the Slochd Summit to Dalraddy upgraded to a dual carriageway.

Joint venture Atkins/Mouchel has been awarded the contract for the 20-mile Highland section of the scheme.

Welcoming the news, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, said: "The appointment of the final design contractor for the mammoth A9 dualling project marks another significant milestone. The £120 million we are investing in its detailed design, coupled with the start of construction on the first section to be dualled expected next summer, underlines our determination to deliver the entire 80-mile dualling programme by 2025."

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He continued: "The programme is also securing jobs here in Scotland and opening up new opportunities for our young people looking to start their careers.

"A dedicated workforce based in Scotland of more than 200 are now working on the many complex strands of the A9 dualling design programme, with the team expected to expand again soon.

"This has allowed us to secure graduate, apprenticeship and students positions for nearly 40 young people to ensure they gain steady work and valuable job experience – with more of these opportunities for young people to come in the very near future."

(JP/IT)