A96 Inverness-Nairn upgrade plans published

Transport Scotland has published its preferred option for an upgraded stretch of the A96, which includes a bypass for Nairn, costing up to £475m.

The project is part of a wider scheme to dual carriageway the road from Inverness to Aberdeen by 2030.

Public views have been sought on the preferred option for the upgraded stretch of A96 between Inverness and Nairn.

About 18 miles (30km) of road is involved in the project.

The improvements - which involve a new crossing over the River Nairn and two new railway crossings - could cost between £375m to £475m.

The overall scheme involves upgrading 53 miles (86km) of road.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said the full project was "ambitious" and would be delivered as quickly as possible.

He said: "As part of that programme, we have been taking forward route option assessment work for dualling the 30km section between Inverness and Nairn including a Nairn Bypass.

"Following detailed assessment work and feedback from last year's public exhibitions, we are now able to let the public see the preferred option for this scheme.

"We are keen to let locals and road users have their say and I would encourage anyone interested in our plans to come to the exhibitions and offer any comments."

The public exhibitions will be held in Nairn on 3 October, Auldearn on 6 October and Inverness on 7 October.

Eight options were considered for the route of the new dual carriageway between Inverness and Gollanfield, near Nairn, and nine for the bypass.