One of Moray’s major tourist routes is set for a £1million upgrade during the current financial year.
The A95, which runs between Keith and Aviemore, is also the main link for whisky traffic, but has seen little investment in recent years.
The bulk of the work will involve resurfacing, drainage and bridge improvements.
The strategic transport authority Hitrans has also allocated £20,000 towards investigating new overtaking opportunities between Aberlour and Grantown.
Moray Independent councillor Fiona Murdoch, who represents the Speyside Glenlivet ward, said she was delighted that £1million was to be spent on much-needed improvements. She said: “This road is bearing the load of Moray’s growing economy with increasing number of HGVs, particularly for the distilling and food industries.
“In addition to these works, the strategic transport authority Hitrans has allocated £20,000 to the Moray Economic Partnership towards investigating new passing opportunities between Aberlour and Grantown.
“We in Moray must keep up the pressure for further improvements to a road which is vital to our tourism and food and drinks industries.”
Moray Council leader Allan Wright said: “I welcome the news that the A95 is being officially recognised as it is an important route with the whisky traffic.”
He added: “£1million doesn’t go an awful long way but it does go some way and the money will be spent towards resurfacing, drainage and bridge improvements.”
Mr Wright said that Moray MSP Richard Lochhead first took up the A95 issue after people were talking about the A9 improvements and the speed cameras.
He added: “Councillors in Moray were saying what about the A95 as it carries trade traffic in Moray. Mr Lochhead raised the question about the A95 with Derek Mackay, minister for local government and planning and I have a copy of his response in front of me stating that the road will get £1million pound investment.”
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “Scotland trunk roads play a vital part in the economy and it is essential that they are kept in the best possible condition to allow the transfer of goods and services throughout the country.
“This investment will not only benefit local industries but will enhance travel connections across the area with improvements to bridges, the road surface and safety improvements.”