Residents are being invited to view updates plans for dualling the A96 between Hardmuir to Fochabers.

Ongoing design work as well as a public consultation process have resulted in a number of changes to the options under consideration for the scheme.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, Keith Brown said Transport Scotland will hold a series of public drop-in events later this month and into March for anyone who is interested in the scheme.

"The Scottish Government has given a clear commitment to dual the A96 which will see delivery of around 88 miles of upgraded road between Inverness and Aberdeen, a huge task but one we are relishing," he said.

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"Dualling the A96 requires careful, in-depth planning and design so that we deliver the right scheme and help tackle congestion, make journey times more reliable and, crucially, improve road safety.

"Transport Scotland is holding a series of public drop-in sessions from Tuesday 27 February to Friday 2 March 2018 to show the public the design development of the route options for the Hardmuir to Fochabers scheme. This includes potential junction layouts and design updates that have been made following feedback received on initial route options identified last year."

Details of the drop-in events, which will take place between 12 noon and 7pm, are as follows;

• Elgin Town Hall, 1 Trinity Place, Elgin IV30 1UL - Tuesday 27 February.

• Mansefield Hotel, Mayne Road, Elgin IV30 1 NY - Wednesday, 28 February

• Forres Town Hall, High Street, Forres IV36 1PB – Thursday, 01 March

• Fochabers Institute, 15 High Street, Fochabers IV32 7EP – Friday, 02 March

(LM/MH)