One year on from the award of the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy construction contract, the project is already delivering significant benefits for local communities and businesses across the Highlands.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop MSP visited the site this month to mark the anniversary, praising the early progress and tangible social value delivered as part of the £296 million investment.
Over a third (36%) of the current workforce on-site is locally based, and more than £1 million has already been spent with small and medium-sized businesses within 20 miles of the project, helping to sustain and grow the local economy.
“Dualling the A9 is about more than just building a road,” said Hyslop.
“In just one year, we’ve seen real, tangible benefits delivered for local people and young people.
“These are the kinds of outcomes that show how infrastructure investment can transform lives and strengthen communities.”
Training and development are central to the project’s legacy.
Eight graduates and three apprentices are already working on site, with over 220 hours of structured training completed so far.
The Tomatin to Moy contract is expected to generate at least 88 new qualifications across the workforce by completion.
The project also prioritises employment opportunities for long-term unemployed people, young people, and ex-offenders.
A recent employability event was held at HMP Inverness, aiming to support rehabilitation through sustainable jobs.
Beyond construction and employment, Balfour Beatty, the project’s contractor has supported local initiatives such as the Moy Country Games and Tomatin’s community housing project with materials, traffic support, and volunteer hours.
The construction itself is progressing well, with watercourse diversions, culvert works, and early preparations for the new Moy Rail Bridge already underway.
When complete, the 9.6km stretch will offer continuous dual carriageway from Inverness to Slochd and include more than 10km of active travel improvements.
For ongoing updates and more information, visit www.a9dualling.scot
