'Steps taken' to start delivering Aberdeen bypass

Immediate steps to start delivering the Aberdeen bypass have been taken in the wake of protesters losing their appeal to the Supreme Court, Transport Scotland has said.

The court decision, on Wednesday, is expected to finally allow the route to go ahead.

The 28-mile road was given the green light by Scottish ministers in 2009.

Transport Scotland said the start of procurement and engagement with the construction industry was under way.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "This has been a momentous week for the people of the north east, who have endured many years of delay for what is an essential project.

"Over the next three decades, the project is expected to bring in an additional £6bn to the local economy and create around 14,000 new jobs."

It is anticipated that construction will commence in 2014 with completion by spring 2018.