The Scottish Government has started construction on the £3bn A9 dualling scheme six months ahead of schedule.

Savings from the Queensferry Crossing project and quick preparation work for Phase I has provided the required funds to begin construction.

The first phase, which will cost £50m, will see the development of the road between Kincraig and Dalraddy by mid-2015.

Transport minister Keith Brown said: "We are anticipating more savings being realised next year from the project’s contingencies, allowing us to unlock investment for the A9 dualling scheme now.

"We are anticipating more savings being realised next year from the project’s contingencies, allowing us to unlock investment for the A9 dualling scheme now."

"With that investment identified and the progress in making statutory orders for the five-mile long Kincraig-Dalraddy scheme, I have given the go-ahead to get procurement underway.

"The process to select a contractor begins today with the publication of a contract notice, allowing us to be in a position to award the contract and put the first spade in the ground next summer, around six months earlier than originally timetabled."

The A9 dualling scheme will include development of 80 miles of single-carriageway between Perth and Inverness.

The entire project is expected to be completed by 2025.

Finance, employment and sustainable growth cabinet secretary John Swinney said: "Here on the A9, the longest trunk road in Scotland, the twelve major pieces of transport infrastructure to be delivered as part of the dualling programme will benefit not only road users, but support local jobs and businesses and deliver economic growth through the life of the programme, and beyond."