The total cost of upgrading a six mile section of the A9 in the Highlands is now expected to run to £308m – £111m more than originally estimated.

The BBC has scrutinised a Scottish government report into the improvements between Tomatin and Moy south of Inverness, which is one of six projects to upgrade the trunk road from Inverness to Perth to dual carriageway by the end of 2035.

The report says initial estimated total cost of £197m later rose to £254m and then in July this year to £308m.

SNP Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing said a “full explanation” was needed of why the total cost was not mentioned in a recent Scottish government announcement.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson told the BBC: “As reported to Parliament on 9 July, the construction contract value for Tomatin to Moy is higher than previous estimates.

“Costs will continue to be monitored and updated as construction works progress and risks materialise and/or diminish.”

(File picture – Transport Scotland)