The Scottish Government has restated its commitment to fully dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen, with Parliament updated on plans to begin construction in phases starting in the Highlands.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop addressed MSPs on the progress of the long running project, confirming that work will begin with the Inverness to Nairn section, including the Nairn Bypass, alongside the A9 and A96 Inshes to Smithton link road.
The update comes amid ongoing pressure on public finances, with ministers acknowledging fiscal challenges while insisting the strategic importance of the route remains unchanged.
Fiona Hyslop said the government’s position on the A96 had not shifted.
“The position of the Scottish Government has not changed: We remain committed to fully dualling the A96 and we are already starting the dualling process from Inverness to Nairn, including a Nairn Bypass.”
She confirmed that land required for the Inverness to Nairn section was acquired last year and that funding has been included in the 2026/27 draft Budget to begin advanced works.
“With the land acquired last year for dualling the A96 between Inverness and Nairn, including the Nairn Bypass, and the adjacent A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton link road, funding is included in the 2026/27 draft Budget to commence the delivery of advanced works on both schemes.”
Hyslop said the same investment would allow Transport Scotland to continue developing business cases and determine procurement options.
“In parallel to the advanced works, this investment in 2026/27 will also allow Transport Scotland to continue to take forward the work to determine the most suitable procurement option for delivering these schemes and further develop the Business Cases.”
While the government’s preference is to deliver the Inverness to Nairn dualling as a single project, ministers confirmed that a phased approach will now be taken.
“The Scottish Government’s preference would be to deliver the A96 Dualling Inverness to Nairn, including the Nairn Bypass, as one project.
“However, due to the continued fiscal challenges, it is planned that we will take forward a phased approach to delivery, starting with the Nairn Bypass, followed by the remaining sections of the scheme, from Seafield, east of Inverness, to Balloch and then on from Balloch to the Nairn Bypass.
“The Capital Spending Review published on 13 January allows for the commencement of the construction of the A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton link road in 2028/29 and the Nairn Bypass in 2029/30, subject to business case approval and confirmation of funding beyond the spending review period.”
She added that advanced works on the Seafield to Balloch section are expected during the same spending review period.
Despite the focus on the western section of the route, the Scottish Government said improvements eastwards remain part of its plans.
“Despite the current fiscal position and following the A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton and A96 Dualling Inverness to Nairn schemes, the Scottish Government will continue to progress improvements to the A96 eastwards, including an Elgin Bypass.
“The Scottish Government has listened to the important views of the people of the north and north east along with stakeholders.”
She said improvements to the A96 remain vital for safety, local communities and economic growth.
“It is clear to this government how vital improvements are to the route to improve safety, remove strategic traffic from settlements along the corridor and support economic growth in response to the fiscal challenges this country continues to face.”
