Network Rail has released a series of images that show the progress being made through the early stages of constructing the new Inverness Airport station.

The new station will deliver improved travel links to the growing Inverness Airport Business Park and the new town of Tornagrain. Work started in October when the site was set up, groundworks were dug, and embankments created to accommodate the station.

The two-platform station will cost £14m. It is next to Inverness airport on the Aberdeen-Inverness line and will benefit from step-free access via a footbridge with lifts. Completion is scheduled for December 2022.

There will be 64 car parking spaces, with ten electric charging points, four disabled spaces, and cycle parking. To provide access to the station, a new access road will be built for motorists, and to provide access to both platforms for pedestrians and cyclists.

Along with the new station development, the level crossing at Petty will be closed, which will improve the safety of the line and operation of the new station.

Main construction work on the new platforms, including the concrete lift shafts and footbridge foundations, will begin in the new year. It will also include the creation of access roads and a car park.

David Millar, Project Manager for Network Rail, said: “Next year promises to be an exciting and busy one for this project. On completion, the new station will enhance the local area and improve connectivity for nearby residents and the wider Inverness area by providing a new sustainable transport interchange.

“Getting on-site to start the build is a significant milestone in the project and we have made good early progress.

“We will continue to work with our partners to deliver this new station as quickly as possible for our customers and the wider community.”