Transport bosses have scrapped controversial proposals to route a busy dual carriageway past a Moray monastery.
The Benedictine community at Pluscarden Abbey was horrified when it emerged that two options for dualling the A96 between Forres and Fochabers would cut through their picturesque valley.
They said that sending traffic streaming past the 13th century landmark would destroy their way of life, which is devoted to quiet contemplation.
Now Transport Scotland has now ruled out taking the road through Pluscarden Valley – and will today outline the remaining options to the public.
A series of design images showing 34 possible route options between Hardmuir and Fochabers are being revealed for the first time today – none of which involve that area.
Economy Secretary Keith Brown confirmed that studies had shown the rural route suggested near Pluscarden was not viable.
He said: “The initial route option development and early assessment work is now complete.
“This initial work has made clear that options through Pluscarden Valley do not perform as well as other options so have been ruled out at this early stage in the process.”
When the plans were first unveiled two years ago, Brother Michael de Klerk said they would have a “catastrophic effect” on the monks’ way of life.
He said: “Of all the special qualities of the abbey, it is the sense of peace which is by far the most remarked upon.
“It is hard to imagine how a busy thoroughfare, bearing noisy traffic day and night, could fail to have a serious impact on such a sensitive setting.
“This is a fearful prospect for anybody who values freedom to roam in the valley, which is undoubtedly one of the attractions for anybody who lives or visits here.”
The Scottish Government aims to dual the 88-mile A96 from Inverness to Aberdeen by 2030.
Last year, ministers awarded a £50million design contract for the 28-mile stretch between Hardmuir and Fochabers.
And last October, there were a series of “meet the team” events aimed at canvassing the views of people living along that section.
There will be more exhibitions this week, beginning today, now that the list of possible options has been refined.
Mr Brown added: “Dualling the A96 requires careful, in-depth planning and design so that we deliver the right scheme and help tackle congestion, make journey times more reliable and, crucially, improve road safety.
“Now, we want to hear the views of locals and road users on the options being considered for the route.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in this scheme to visit one of the exhibitions this week and give us their views.”
“As we now move to identify a preferred route option next year, further public consultations will be undertaken as part of our rolling programme of engagement to ensure that communities, businesses and individuals affected by the work are kept fully informed and their vital feedback taken into account.”
The first exhibitions will take place from noon until 7pm at Elgin Town Hall today and tomorrow.
On Wednesday, display stands showcasing the possible routes will be set up at Bellie Church Hall in Fochabers from noon to 7pm.
During the same hours on Thursday, there will be an exhibition at Forres Town Hall.
Pluscarden Abbey is the only Benedictine monastery in Scotland, and is home to 20 monks.
The ancient venue attracts an estimated 10,000 visitors every year and has two guest houses which accommodate between 1,400-1,800 people annually.
