A plan to turn the 90-mile route between Blairgowrie and Grantown into a tourist attraction is poised to reach a new milestone.
The Snow Roads Scenic Scheme, driven by Cairngorms National Park Authority, will complete the upgrade of its third layby on March 30.
The project aims to transform the laybys and the next stage has been bolstered by a £245,000 grant from the Scottish Enterprise destination development fund.
Stuart Donaldson, MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, said: “The success of the North Coast 500 route is testament to that and, having grown up in Aberdeenshire and frequently driven through the Cairngorms, this area has incredible potential.
“The Cairngorms has already seen annual visitor numbers rise by 300,000 since the turn of the century and projects like this can increase that footfall.
“I recently met with Peter Crane, the Head of Visitor Services for Cairngorms National Park Authority, and was struck by how driven and determined he was to take this project to the next level.
“With his enthusiasm, the creativity of his team and the support of the Scottish Government and other key stakeholders we can drive tourists into the Cairngorms.”
