Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “Dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness is a huge challenge – some 80 miles of upgraded road, but we are determined to make early wins.

“With the progress in making statutory orders for the five mile long Kincraig-Dalraddy scheme, I have given the go-ahead to get procurement underway.

“The process to select a contractor begins today with the publication of a contract notice worth around £50 million allowing us to be in a position to award the contract and put the first spade in the ground next summer, around six months earlier than originally timetabled.

“I have always said that we will bring forward the start of construction on the A9 where we can, and today we are delivering on that promise.”