The completion of work to improve a key section of the A9 at Helmsdale will increase safety, reduce driver frustration and provide more overtaking opportunities, Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said yesterday.

Mr Stevenson was speaking as he visited the site of a £5.45m investment in the A9 between Helmsdale and Ord of Caithness.

The Transport Minister said: "The A9 is a key artery in Scotland's transport network and it is vital that we continue to invest in improvements to the road on a continuing and progressive basis.

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"This £5.45 million investment will increase safety, reduce driver frustration and provide more overtaking opportunities for those using the road.

"It will also deliver improved connections for local people, businesses and tourists alike and provide better access to the Scrabster ferry terminal.

"The Helmsdale improvements completed today are just one part of investment in the A9 amounting to some £50 million over the next four years.

"Options for how best to dual the A9 will emerge from the Strategic Transport Projects Review which will report to Ministers shortly."

(GK/JM)