The total cost of the dualling project was originally estimated to cost £197m.

It was previously hoped the six-mile stretch south of Inverness could be upgraded by the end of 2027.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn says a public inquiry “is not the best way to proceed”.

Concerns are being raised about the availability of evening-time public transport in the country.

Work on the Tomatin to Moy section had to be retendered last year after only one company showed interest.

Relatives of four people killed in County Tyrone in 1992 criticise government threats of an inquest legal challenge.

Lawyers for Johnny Miller, 53, argue the trial continued without proof the victim was no longer alive.

The Scottish government said in February it had been forced to retender the Tomatin to Moy dualling project.