This follows calls to reduce road building in light of the climate emergency. At a meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy & Connectivity Committee last October it was also suggested that planned improvements to the two routes are under review.

Now, groups including regional transport partnership HITRANS, Moray Council and the Scottish Council for Development & Industry have written to the Government to seek assurance of its continued commitment to dualling the A9 from Perth to Inverness and A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen.

“We understand it’s easy for some to simply call for a blanket end to road projects but, as we look to tackle climate change, we need to ensure that the right decisions are taken to connect our cities and towns, and support those living and working in rural areas,” said HITRANS chair Allan Henderson.

“We know that we need to take action to deliver environmental sustainability, but we also need to recognise that many of those who use these routes do so without available alternatives.”

The letter – addressed to Cabinet Secretary for Transport Infrastructure & Connectivity Michael Matheson and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy & Fair Work Derek Mackay – describes investment in the A9 and A96 as “crucial” to the growth and prosperity of local communities.

Dualling the routes, it says, will free up new opportunities to enhance town centres, improve safety, increase air quality and encourage active travel.

Moray Council leader Graham Leadbitter said: “A96 dualling not only delivers a road fit for the future but will unblock the communities along it that endure the daily pressures of cars and HGVs doing long distances.”

Business group the Scottish Council for Development & Industry’s Highlands & Islands director Fraser Grieve added: “We too often fail to recognise the economic contribution of this region as the home of some of Scotland’s leading exports.

“The reliability of our transport network is vital to continued success and delivering these upgrades, along with other transport enhancements, will support the sustainability and competitiveness of this region.”

However the Scottish Green Party is calling for the projects to be scrapped. “We’ve known since the 1960s that more road infrastructure leads to more traffic,” said its Highlands & Islands MSP John Finnie.

“There is a difference between improving our roads and making them bigger, and the money would be far better invested in improving public transport through the Highlands, linking our remote and marginalised communities and giving greater mobility to those who perhaps can’t afford a car.”

(Photograph: Transport Scotland)