Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Work starts today on a £22.8 million scheme to open up a key economic and community lifeline for the West Highlands.
The Transport Scotland investment will see a 7.7km section of the A830 - the last remaining section of single track trunk road on this route - upgraded to two lane status.
The section of road stretches from Arisaig to Loch nan Uamh and forms part of the ‘Road to the Isles’ that links Fort William to Mallaig.
Overall the project will significantly improve safety, traffic flow and journey times and result in better links with Mallaig’s ferry connections to Skye. It will also strengthen connections for the area’s businesses and the tourist industry which is so vital to the regional economy.
Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:
"The A830 is a vital link in Scotland's transport network, providing a lifeline connection for rural West Highland communities and a key economic link for the fishing village of Mallaig and other businesses in the area.
"This multi-million pound investment is an important part of our aim to have a more efficient road network and I am delighted work is getting underway to make the A830 a safer and better route that will help build stronger communities."
Traffic management will be required to allow the work to be safely delivered and this will result in disruption to road users. Close liaison with the community, council and police will take place regarding the traffic management.
Contractor Morrison Construction will begin work on site today and the project will be completed early in 2009.
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
