Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop MSP has announced the Scottish Government's 2026 Delivery Plan for the A9 Dualling Programme, confirming that all remaining sections of the multi-billion-pound project will now be delivered using capital funding.

This shift in strategy follows the decision to move away from previously considered private finance models to ensure the programme meets its final completion target of 2035.

The updated plan introduces a new ordering of works that prioritises safety improvements in the Highlands. Specifically, construction on three busy grade-separated junctions serving Carrbridge and Aviemore will be brought forward. These upgrades are scheduled as part of the section between Dalraddy and Slochd, which is expected to be operational by 2032. Once finished, this will create approximately 38 miles of continuous dual carriageway between Inverness and Kincraig.

The 2026 Delivery Plan also accelerates the delivery of the grade-separated junction at Dalnaspidal and the Aviemore to Carrbridge Non-Motorised User Route (ACNMU). To improve efficiency, the government will establish a Framework Agreement to streamline the procurement of the five remaining contracts.

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Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP said: "This announcement maintains the Scottish Government commitment to having dualling operational between Perth and Inverness by the end of 2035.

"Our 2026 Delivery Plan provides more detail and certainty for the market and brings forward key elements of the Programme in the North section of the Programme. This will be reassuring news for local communities in Aviemore and Carrbridge.

"With construction activity already taking place on 11 miles of the corridor, our plan will continue to ramp up that work, with 50% of the route between Perth and Inverness to be operating as dual carriageway by the end of 2030 – rising to 67% by the end of 2032. With 100% dualling achieved by the end of 2035.

"The 2026 Delivery Plan and establishment of the Framework Agreement will be subject to further market consultation with the industry, which is expected to commence on 19 January 2026.

"It is expected the Framework will commence procurement in Spring 2026 with participants being appointed to the Framework by the end of 2026. This will assist in securing market capacity giving more certainty to communities and drivers that this Plan will complete dualling by 2035."

Industry leaders have welcomed the move toward capital-funded contracts. David Macdonald, Chairman of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Scotland, stated: "CECA welcome the news that the remaining A9 Dualling Programme sections will be taken forward as capitally-funded contracts, providing more certainty for Scotland's contracting industry of the opportunities available on this major infrastructure programme for Scotland. We look forward to continuing to engage with Transport Scotland throughout the procurement process."

The massive engineering undertaking involves the construction of over 130 new structures and the movement of 20 million cubic metres of earthworks. Beyond infrastructure, the programme aims to deliver social value by supporting SMEs, creating apprenticeships, and prioritising low-carbon construction methods on-site.