Investigation work begins on notorious road

In news that it sure to please Orkney motorists, the Scottish Government said that ground investigations are underway at the Berriedale Braes in Caithness, to help identify a solution to the notorious hairpin bend in the road.

Transport Minister Keith Brown was on site at the stretch of the A9 to see the drilling rig start its work on this morning.

Mr Brown said: “The Scottish Government has signalled its commitment to addressing the road alignment at Berriedale Braes, easing the problem for HGVs and other long vehicles in particular.

“To help identify the right solution, we are carrying out detailed design work and these ground investigations are a vital part of that. As the design work progresses we will continue to work with our partners and expect to have a preferred option ready next summer.

“This is just one element of our ongoing work to improve the A9 with the ambitious programme to dual the route between Perth and Inverness, the first government ever to commit to do so. Work is gathering pace with surveys underway and the procurement of the three design contracts about to get underway.”

Back in 2010 a group of young Orkney athletes had a narrow escape when the bus they were travelling in crashed on the bend.