The rethink to make road building contracts more attractive to potential bidders follows the curtailed procurement of the Tomatin to Moy section of the £3bn dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness.

While three bidders were initially shortlisted for the job, just one bid was ultimately submitted, and that was at a price much higher than the budgeted £115m.

Procurement chiefs have since consulted with the trade body, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association Scotland (CECA Scotland), to look at terms which better reflect more challenging market conditions.

Transport Scotland is now looking for further feedback on how contracts can be modified to become more attractive to generate greater competition in future procurement exercises, delivering better value for the public purse.

Nick Conroy, Project Manager said: “Understanding the views of the market is an invaluable part of any procurement process.

“We regularly engage with industry stakeholders in our work, and it’s important that we listen to the industry to better understand the challenges they face in delivering critical infrastructure projects such as this.

“I look forward to further discussions with delivery partners in this next phase of engagement.”

Transport Scotland is working to a deadline of achieving the reprocured Tomatin to Moy contract award before the end of 2023.

Firms interested in taking part can register their interest by contacting Transport Scotland’s Project Manager Nick Conroy. Click here to email.