Two autonomous vehicles are being trialled in the Inverness in an effort to boost the Highland’s public transportation offerings.

Organisations involved in the pilot project include the University of Glasgow, Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (Hitrans), Aurrigo International plc, Stagecoach North Scotland, and Darwin Innovation Group Ltd.

One of the vehicles, an Aurrigo Auto-Pod complete with four seats, will offer passengers a ride between Dalcross railway station and Inverness Airport.

The larger Aurrigo Auto-Shuttle, with ten seats, will offer transport across Inverness’s University of the Highlands and Islands campus.

Previously, an autonomous bus, dubbed the Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Driverless Machiney, was tested at the campus.

The new pilot programme aims to highlight the potential energy efficiency and cost effectiveness of driverless autonomous transportation.

The Highlands are made famous for their beautiful, mountainous scenery, but this terrain can complicate their transportation woes.

“We are delighted to act as one of the testing grounds for the autonomous vehicle which is being used to explore the potential of a vehicle connection for passengers travelling between the railway station and the terminal building,” Graeme Bell, general manager for Inverness Airport said.

Currently, the alternative route between the Airport and the rail station is to walk or take a shuttle bus, for which there is a charge. The trial is to gauge public perception around autonomous vehicles, as well as assess the feasibility of the service for the long term.

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“Operating at Inverness Airport highlights the diverse environments where Aurrigo’s automated vehicles can truly make an impact,” Proffessor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo said.

“The aviation industry as a whole offers countless opportunities for this innovative technology to enhance operations, improve safety, and transform the passenger experience.”

The project has received funding through Innovate UK, and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, and the trial will be ongoing until 30 August.