Bam Nuttall has won a £10 million contract to carry out railway upgrade works in the Highlands.

The deal, which involves extending platforms 1 and 2 at Pitlochry station and carrying out modifications to extend the track layout in the line linking Inverness and the Central Belt, is part of an overall £57m Government-funded investment in the route.

Infrastructure works will also be carried out at Aviemore station – extending the loop (section of double-track) to the north of the station. Elsehwere, signalling systems will be altered and upgraded at Pitlochry and Aviemore.

This is the second phase of investment in the Highland mainline. In 2012, the initial phase of the project increased the number of services from nine to 11 trains per day in each direction.

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Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: "The awarding of the Highland mainline works contact is an important milestone in the progress of the project, which is on track to complete in little over a year.

"The works planned to take place at Aviemore and Pitlochry allow for far more efficient crossing of trains, which along with the soon-to-be-introduced HSTs and infrastructure enhancements, will deliver faster more frequent journeys between Inverness and the Central Belt."

Matthew Spence, Route Delivery Director for Network Rail, said: "This work is vital to the introduction of InterCity trains on the line and the improved timetable that will deliver more services, improve stopping patterns and provide better connectivity for customers.

"Throughout this project we will work closely with our contractors, train operators and other partners to deliver in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible while minimising disruption for both lineside communities and passengers."

Jerry Dickson, Regional Director at Bam Nuttall, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this contract and look forward to delivering this important enhancement to the Highland mainline.

"Our team will be looking for opportunities to work with the local community to identify opportunities to leave a positive lasting legacy from the work at both stations."

(LM/MH)