The Scottish Government intends to award Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd the contract to dual the A9 between Pitlochry and Killiecrankie, Economy, Tourism and Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn has announced.

The move represents the final stage of procurement for the fifth A9 Dualling scheme to reach construction. The formal award will follow the successful completion of the mandatory standstill period.

Covering 6.4 km, the Pitlochry–Killiecrankie upgrade will help ensure 50% of the A9 between Perth and Inverness is dual carriageway by 2030. The scheme includes safer, more reliable journeys, new grade-separated junctions, active travel routes and measures to mitigate flooding.

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The project is backed by £220.02 million of Scottish Government funding, aimed at supporting economic growth, creating employment and delivering long-term benefits for nearby communities.

The contract is expected to create 60 new full-time equivalent jobs at local and regional levels, as well as 17 graduate roles, 11 apprenticeships and 8 new-entrant positions to build the future workforce.

Around £33 million of opportunities are forecast for small and medium-sized enterprises and suppliers close to the site, spreading benefits through the wider supply chain.

Social value commitments include £350,000 of investment, 300 hours of volunteering to support community projects, and 300 hours of school and STEM engagement to inspire careers and leave a lasting legacy.

Advance works are already in progress in the Pitlochry to Killiecrankie area, including archaeological investigations, tree felling and the demolition of vacant properties to prepare for main construction.

Once the contract is awarded, the contractor will mobilise and undertake detailed planning. A series of 'Meet the Contractor' events will be held for local communities to outline the programme, planned works and design.