A SHERIFF'S description of a notorious stretch of road as "inherently dangerous" proves that planned improvements need to be carried out urgently, it has been claimed.

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant was speaking after the publication of the findings of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of a lorry driver on the Berriedale Braes on the A9 in Caithness.

Bruce Cormack, 41, died after his lorry suffered a "sudden, multiple and catastrophic" brake failure on the steep hill. The incident delayed the delivery of Scottish independence referendum vote ballot boxes from the far north to the count in Dingwall in September 2014.

Improvements are planned for the hairpin bend at the north side of Berriedale while the accident occurred on the southern section of the road.

But Ms Grant said she was “extremely disappointed” at a response from Transport Minister Derek Mackay which predicted upgrading the Berriedale Braes on the A9 in the Caithness could take up the three years.

Ms Grant said: “How many more serious accidents will take place on the Berriedale Braes before this work can start?”

Publishing his findings after the FAI, Sheriff Andrew Berry said last week: "It can readily be said that the descent and then ascent of the Berriedale Braes, whether travelling north or south, marks a truly exceptional stretch of roadway requiring great care to be exercised by any driver of any vehicle.It is not for the faint-hearted. I think that it can readily be said that this stretch of road is, of itself, inherently dangerous."

Ms Grant said: “The Sheriff said if it had been at a more forgiving location maybe the consequences would have been greatly reduced.

"Transport Scotland plans to realign the hairpin by re-routing the road and although it would be difficult to say that this accident would not have had such serious consequences if the work had already taken place, there can be no doubt that the upgrading will help to make the road much safer."

She said Mr Mackay had told her that although the Scottish Government remained committed to delivering the A9 Berriedale Braes project, “the real terms cut in Scotland’s capital budget means we must await suitable funding becoming available to progress it further”.

ATransport Scotland spokesman said: “We have been working hard to progress the Berriedale Braes improvement scheme. However, as one statutory objector remains it has been necessary to arrange a Public Local Inquiry, which is due to start on April 5.

"We must then await the reporter’s recommendation before further progressing the scheme.”