First of three A9 dualling design contracts awarded

Dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness is Scotland's most expensive transport project

The first of three design contracts for the dualling of the A9 has been awarded.

Joint venture CH2MHill/Fairhurst is expected to design a 26-mile (43km) upgraded stretch of the road between Glengarry and Dalraddy.

The work will start next month, subject to what is known as a mandatory standstill period.

The A9 between Perth and Inverness is to be fully dualled at a cost of £3bn by 2025.

The three design contracts are each worth between £40m and £60m.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said the dualling programme was the most expensive transport project in Scotland's history.

He said: "The appointment of the first design consultancy for this mammoth project marks another significant milestone in this government's commitment to the project - the first government to commit to dual this vital route between Perth and Inverness."