Inverness gas supplies at risk if pipeline not fixed, warns SGN

Thousands of homes in Inverness could lose their gas supply if part of the city's pipe network is not replaced, SGN has warned.

The utilities company said it had planned to start a project reinforcing pipes at the busy Raigmore Interchange next month.

But engineers discovered at the weekend a section is in urgent need of replacement, and it could take about 15 weeks to repair.

The large roundabout with a flyover links up the A9, A96 and B865 is already the focus of improvement work by trunk roads company Bear Scotland.

SGN said: "This work is safety-critical and if it's not carried out now, there is a risk of losing gas supplies to Inverness.

"Due to the nature of these activities, advance notice was not possible.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused to commuters and the local community."

SGN said a westbound lane closure would be in place between the Inverness Retail Park Roundabout and the B865 Milburn Road to allow for the repairs to the high-pressure pipeline.

The company said it would work closely with Bear Scotland to minimise any additional disruption and delays to the roads project.

SGN added: "We recognise that this is a very busy route and want to assure you we'll be doing everything we can to reduce the impact of our emergency works, including night-time and weekend working where possible."