Transport Scotland has advanced the A9 Dualling Programme by publishing a £1.94 billion Contract Notice inviting bids for a new Framework Agreement to deliver the remaining approximately 58 miles (93km) yet to enter procurement on the Perth–Inverness corridor.

The move follows the January 2026 announcement that the outstanding sections would proceed using capital funding.

Developed after consultation with the construction sector, the delivery framework will adopt an early contractor involvement approach to encourage greater competition and collaboration. Widely used on large, complex schemes, early contractor involvement brings contractors in before construction to help refine design, manage risk and improve buildability, delivering better value for money.

Publication of the Contract Notice begins a procurement process expected to conclude before the end of the year.

Once the framework is in place, the first contract to be taken forward will be the Dalraddy to Slochd section. This includes replacing three at-grade junctions — Aviemore South, Granish (A95) and Blackmount (Carrbridge) — with three new grade-separated junctions.

The start of this significant procurement exercise sets out an estimated £1.94 billion pipeline aimed at delivering a safer, more reliable A9 and is expected to support jobs, training and supply-chain opportunities across Scotland.

Stephen Flynn MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, said: "Commencing the procurement of this Framework Agreement today gives a clear signal to the industry and to Scotland, that we are serious about delivering the A9 Dualling. We have listened to the construction industry and have refreshed our delivery model to support this Government's commitment to delivering dualling of the A9 by the end of 2035. This announcement today is evidence of our continued commitment to full dualling of the A9.

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"I intend to build on the momentum that my predecessor Fiona Hyslop generated during her time as the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and I am confident that this framework provides what the construction industry needs to secure the delivery of this vital infrastructure programme. The A9 must be safe, reliable and resilient, and that is what this Government will deliver.

"The A9 Dualling Programme is about far more than infrastructure: it is about strengthening connections between the Highlands and the Central Belt, supporting economic growth, and local communities by creating opportunities for people and businesses across Scotland."

The Cabinet Secretary added: "The Scottish Government remains committed to fully dual the A96. We are progressing the Inverness to Nairn section, including the Nairn Bypass, with land secured and funding in place to begin advanced works in 2026/27.

"The Capital Spending Review sets out plans to commence construction of the Nairn Bypass in 2029/30, subject to final approvals and confirmation of funding beyond the spending review, and we will continue to progress dualling of the A96 eastwards as funding allows."

Senior Civil Engineer for Transport Scotland, Konstantina Bimpou, highlighted the programme's career opportunities, having first worked on A9 dualling during her graduate scheme before becoming a chartered engineer and now a project manager within the programme. She said: "Working on the A9 Dualling Programme has been a hugely rewarding experience for me. I started work on A9 Dualling as a graduate as part of Transport Scotland's graduate training scheme and that experience helped me gain the necessary skills to become a chartered engineer. I am excited to be part of the team delivering the A9 Dualling and I look forward to continuing to develop my experience as a Project Manager on one of the sections that will be delivered through this framework.

"This programme is creating real opportunities for people, helping to build skills and careers while delivering essential infrastructure. With preparations already underway, it's an exciting time to be working on the Programme as we progress works along the route between Perth and Inverness and play a part in delivering long-term benefits for communities."

Transport Scotland says the programme is already benefiting communities and the wider economy, and that this £1.94 billion framework will extend those gains through its Social Value Programme. Contracts let under the framework will create jobs in local and regional economies, open up supply-chain opportunities for local firms and SMEs, provide training and development for apprentices, graduates and new entrants, and support decarbonisation in construction by incentivising innovative, lower-carbon methods.