Scottish Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth says turning the A9 into a dual carriageway by 2025 remains “challenging” as pressure mounts on the Scottish Government to deliver rapid improvements over rising road deaths.

13 people have died on the 112-mile stretch between Perth and Inverness since July, which is the section due to be dualled.

The Press and Journal newspaper says Ms Gilruth faced questions over the timetable while on a visit to the official opening of the £8 million redevelopment of Aberdeen Station.

Asked if 2025 is still deliverable, she said: “I think the on track deliverability around the project, like many capital projects, is challenging.

“We recognise that across the piece at the moment in relation to infrastructure.”

The issue has become significant politically with Labour opponents pressing the government in Scotland to deliver “urgent progress”.

(Picture – Google Streetview)