The wraps were finally taken off the route of the proposed Nairn bypass yesterday – but not everyone was left happy.
Hundreds of people turned out in the town yesterday for their first glimpse of Transport Scotland’s preferred option for dualling the A96 between the seaside town and Inverness.
The 18-mile scheme, which could cost up to £475million, includes a long-awaited diversion around Nairn.
Residents in the town have long called for a bypass to alleviate the traffic congestion they suffer at peak times.
While some were pleased that the route would avoid a much-loved woodland on the outskirts of Nairn, others were upset that their land would be bisected by the road.
One farmer, John Bain Mackintosh, said it would pass just a few yards from his house at Blackpark.
He and his wife Deirdre said that Transport Scotland had not listened to them.
However, the Nairn bypass route was welcomed by two of the town’s community council chairmen.
Dick Youngson, of Nairn Suburban, and Tommy Hogg, of Nairn River, were among the first people to visit the exhibition at the town’s community and arts centre yesterday.
Mr Youngson said he was pleased that the route would not affect Delnies Wood, where local residents had campaigned against the plans.
Mr Youngson said: “We had concerns about Delnies but we could not have asked for better. It is just right.
“But we know there will be people who are unhappy.”
He added: “This will allow Nairn to expand and develop as a tourist town.”
And Mr Hogg said: “It is what we were hoping for.
“We were worried about how they would cross the river but the way they are doing it makes sense.
“It is such a sensitive area.”
However, the start of construction could be several years away.
Transport Scotland will now spend 18 months drawing up detailed engineering plans before further public consultations is carried out in 2016.
Even after that process is complete, a public local inquiry could be triggered if landowners object to the plans.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said that the proposals to dual the entire A96 from Inverness to Aberdeen by 2030 were “ambitious”.
He added: “We are committed to delivering the scheme as quickly as possible and are currently progressing the procurement of a design consultant to develop the plans further.
“We expect to appoint a consultant early next year with a view to publishing draft orders for this £30million contract scheme in 2016.”
Head of planning for Transport Scotland, David Anderson, also promised: “The bypass is coming.”
The proposals also include the route of the new dual carriageway from Inverness to Nairn.
There will be six major new junctions, including one at Inverness Airport.
Much of the existing A96 will be kept as a local service road.
The exhibition will continue at Dunbar Memorial Hall, Auldearn, on Monday October 6, and at Raigmore Community Centre on Tuesday, October 7.
Each exhibition will be open from noon-7pm.