The opening of the £745 million Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) project has been delayed by six month, Economy Secretary Keith Brown has revealed.

The 28-mile project, which had previously been expected to open this spring, is now scheduled to be unveiled in the summer.

Contractor Connect Roads reported a number of issues have resulted in the delay, including the impact of Storm Frank during winter 2015/16, recent extreme weather during early March and the collapse of industry services firm Carillion in January.

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Mr Brown said: "While this revision to the opening date is very disappointing to the people of the North East, we have to accept the expert advice of our contractors on the ground who are delivering this significant project.

"Clearly there has been a huge amount of work that has gone in to getting the project to where we are now. I would like to pay tribute to the effort of the people who are working hard to get this project over the finishing line.

"I understand how highly anticipated this project is for those living and working in the region and the patience local communities have shown during the construction process, I would like to thank them for their continued patience as we enter the final stages of the project. Transport Scotland will continue to work closely with ARL to open sections of the road at the earliest opportunity."

(LM/MH)