Scotland’s First Minister is visiting the Tomatin to Moy section of the A9 today, 9 February, as major construction work continues on one of the country’s most significant transport infrastructure projects.
John Swinney will meet staff from Balfour Beatty and Transport Scotland who are leading the dualling works on this stretch of the route through the Highlands.
During the visit, the First Minister will be shown progress on the construction of the new Moy rail bridge over the Highland Main Line, which will replace the existing structure dating back to 1884.
The new bridge is intended to demonstrate Scotland’s ability to deliver modern, integrated road and rail infrastructure while improving long term connectivity and resilience.
Dualling the A9 remains a priority for the Scottish Government, with the visit highlighting the scale and complexity of the work now under way and the impact of the investment for local communities and businesses.
The project forms part of a £3.9 billion programme to upgrade the route between Perth and Inverness, described by ministers as vital to the social and economic life of the Highlands.
Speaking ahead of the visit, the First Minister said:
“The A9 is one of the main arteries through Scotland, providing a vital transport link for families, communities, businesses, tourists and more.
“Dualling the A9 is a priority for my government and with our rolling programme of continuous construction in the corridor, backed by £3.9 billion of Scottish Government investment, opportunities are being created for local businesses and a stream of job and training prospects for the people and communities served by this vital route.
“As momentum builds and construction ramps up at both the north and south ends of the corridor, I’m looking forward to seeing the visible, tangible progress being made on the longest road in Scotland.
“The continued progress should give the businesses and residents of the Highlands confidence that realising the benefits of dualling the A9 remains a priority for myself and this Government.”
The Scottish Government has confirmed the total investment in the A9 stands at £3.97 billion, based on April 2025 prices.
Under the A9 Dualling Delivery Plan published in January 2026, 50 per cent of the route between Perth and Inverness is expected to be operating as dual carriageway by the end of 2030.
That figure is set to rise to 67 per cent by the end of 2032, 91 per cent by the end of 2034 and full dualling by the end of 2035.
Alongside the A9 programme, the Scottish Government says it remains committed to fully dualling the A96 and is already progressing work between Inverness and Nairn, including the Nairn Bypass.
Further investment during the current Capital Spending Review period to 2029/30 is expected to support additional progress on the A96 and the adjacent A9 and A96 Inshes to Smithton link road.
The government has also confirmed it will continue to advance improvements to the A96 eastwards, including plans for an Elgin Bypass.
