INVERNESS airport is to undergo a £1.4 million revamp of its runway ,as part of an overall upgrade of the site.

The mile-long runway, which handles around 31,000 flights each year, will be completely resurfaced with fresh tarmac in an upgrade that is expected to extend its life for a further 20 years.

The project, expected to last 12 weeks, is being funded by Scottish Government-owned regional operator, Highland and Islands Airports Ltd.

Work has already begun on a £1.2m taxiway extension, which will provide a link from the main runway to the site of the Inverness Airport Business Park.

Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL, said it was a "challenging" project, adding: "We will do everything we can to ensure that both projects are completed on time and do not disrupt normal airport operations."