Dual The A9

But in what is a major positive the Scottish Government appears open to accelerating work on the deadliest sections.

But goods vehicles could see the speed limit increase on single and dual carriageways by 10mph.

The longest stretch of road set to be dualled on the A9 in the Highlands has passed a key logistical hurdle.

More cash will come north but the jury is out on whether finance secretary Shona Robison delivered for the north.

Roadworks connected with the future dualling of the A9 south of Moy next year will cause disruption for night-time motorists next month.

He says ‘I am a mere whipper snapper but I do feel I am beginning to get the hang of the job now’.

Campaigner Laura Hansler says ‘it goes beyond disrespect… it was just a complete disregard for our lives and our safety’.

MSP Jackson Carlaw says ‘this is, quite frankly, unacceptable for those who live and work in northern Scotland’.

The average cost is steadily rising from over £14m for the first five years to more than £22 million for the last five.

The A96 goes straight through the Highland town causing congestion and pollution that the campaign aims to tackle with a bypass.

Draft petitions committee report warns that history could repeat itself identifying funding as one of many major problems

The cost of upgrading a six mile section of the A9 is now expected to cost £111m more than originally estimated.

MSPs lambast the latest delay to the Tomatin to Moy section.

A call to divert cash from A9 dualling has been slammed as “simply unacceptable”.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes also put pen to paper with more sections of the road to be developed in 12 months than were completed since 2007.

John Swinney says ‘I was criticised in 2007 for wanting to divert money from the Edinburgh tram project to the A9… parliament stopped me’.

Fears for the project emerged yesterday when the finance secretary warned ‘we cannot afford all of our capital commitments’.

Finance secretary Shona Robison warns ‘we cannot afford all of our capital commitments’

He says work must accelerate ‘otherwise, we will continue to see more lives being needlessly lost’.

The job advert on the Scottish Government’s website also says a £5000 supplement per annum will be provided for the role.