Inverness-based Bear Scotland maintenance workers have secured union recognition and pay rises of up to 7.25% after threatening strike action over low wages.

The breakthrough marks the first time union Unite has formally secured a recognition agreement with the A9 maintenance contractor, which looks after the key trunk route between Perth and Inverness.

The deal includes improved standby payments and faster progression through pay grades — a key sticking point that had pushed workers towards industrial action earlier this year.

The new agreement ends weeks of unrest among road maintenance workers who had rejected an initial offer lifting the lowest rate from £12 to £12.75 an hour and the top grade from £13.25 to £14.25 — still short of the £16 an hour paid by rival firms.

Unite industrial officer Marc Jackson said: “Unite is delighted to have successfully negotiated an improved wage offer from Bear Scotland which was overwhelmingly backed by our members.

“The company has also voluntarily agreed to trade union recognition, giving our members a clear route to secure better pay, working hours and holidays in future.”

Bear Scotland’s Inverness workforce plays a key role in maintaining the A9 and supporting the £3.7bn A9 Dualling programme due for completion by 2035.