The number of people killed in crashes on one of Scotland’s most notorious stretches of road have risen to their highest level in 20 years.

Thirteen people have lost their lives on the 112-mile section of the A9 between Inverness and Perth this year.

There have been attempts to improve safety while work continues on a £3bn project to dual about 77 miles of remaining single carriageway.

But campaigners say local residents are in constant fear of the next crash.

Transport Scotland said it recognised that the “concerning” increase in fatalities required urgent attention.

Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth told BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime programme that she could not put a date on when the dualling project would be complete until after a procurement process.

She said she expected to receive advice on the process in coming weeks, adding that short-term actions to improve safety would be brought before parliament.

Ms Gilruth said: “One life lost on Scotland’s roads is one life too many.

“This year we have seen a substantial increase in the number of fatalities on A9. That’s affected families, individuals and communities right across Scotland and also beyond.”

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