Scotland’s new Transport Secretary has told a newspaper in Inverness that she wants to give the dualling of the A9 “the focus it deserves” as she laid out detailed plans for the project.

The Press and Journal reports that Fiona Hyslop chose Inverness as the location of her first official engagement since being appointed to her new role last week, meeting with business leaders, road engineers and other interested parties ato give an update on the £3.7 billion project.

The SNP announced in December that Perth to Inverness will be dualled by 2035 – a decade later than it was promised back in 2011.

Speaking to the newspaper after the event, Ms Hyslop claimed she has the “drive and determination” to deliver the delayed dualling of Perth to Inverness and that she hopes residents in the Highlands will be encouraged when they see physical construction work on the Tomatin to Moy stretch start later this year.

(Picture – Transport Scotland)