Work has commenced on the construction of the new Inverness Airport station with the building of the platforms at Dalcross.
The new £14m facility will include a two-platform station on the Aberdeen-Inverness line with plans to provide step-free access via a footbridge with lifts.
64 car parking spaces with 10 electric charging facilities will be built with four disabled spaces and cycle parking.
A new access road for motorists will also be built and access to both platforms for pedestrians and cyclists will be provided.
Hitrans has already upgraded the travel path between the new station and the airport terminal.
Two buses an hour will initially connect the station and the airport.
Between now and the end of December work will focus on the creation of embankments and building the new platforms including the concrete lift shafts and footbridge foundations.
The development will also see the closure of the level crossing at Petty improving the safety of the line.
Graeme Dey, Minister for Transport spoke on how the new station will be great for nearby areas.
Mr Dey said: “It is great to see work getting underway on what will be an exciting development both for Inverness Airport and for the surrounding communities.
“The start of work on-site is a significant step towards delivery of this sustainable travel interchange.
“[This] has been made possible by a £14 million Scottish Government investment as part of our commitment to a fairer, greener Scotland.
“By making Inverness Airport more accessible for passengers and staff alike, we can deliver improved travel links to the growing Inverness Airport Business Park and the new town of Tornagrain.
“This is particularly important as we continue to pursue a green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway added: “Scotland’s Railway has a great record of opening new stations and new lines.
“[These] help to drive further investment in communities and create new opportunities for local people.
“The construction of the new Inverness Airport station will help enhance the area by giving travellers another route to the airport and will open-up transport links and improve connectivity.”
The station is due to be completed in December 2022.
