Around 50 school pupils in the Highlands have been given the chance to explore opportunities for a career in the engineering sector.

Transport Scotland has teamed up with engineers from Jacobs UK to help deliver the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) programme for 10 primary schools and two secondary schools in the vicinity of the A96 Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) scheme.

In its first year, pupils benefited from training from specialist educational supplier Primary Engineer, while Jacobs UK engineers assisted with presentations, Q&A sessions and class projects.

The schools engagement programme is rolled out to schools in the western section of the £3 billion A96 Dualling programme between Hardmuir and Fochabers. Teacher training from Primary Engineer is provided for local schools, with a view to starting the schools engagement supported by the project's design consultancy, Mott McDonald Sweco (MMS) Joint Venture, after the summer holidays.

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Keith Brown Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work said: "As well as upgrading the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen to dual carriageway, this Government recognises the importance of benefitting the communities who live along the route as we design and build the new road.

"Our schools engagement is leaving a legacy for the future, teaching pupils in local schools by helping them develop an interest in engineering. When fully rolled out across the Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) and Hardmuir to Fochabers schemes, up to 85 schools will benefit from this ambitious programme.

"The fact that engineers from Transport Scotland and the consultants designing the dualled route are taking the time to offer their expertise, will help inspire the children to consider being the engineers of the future."

(LM)