• Works start Tuesday 25 March for three weeks

BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is set to commence essential repair works on the A9 trunk road near Scrabster Harbour following a recent landslide event.

The project is scheduled to begin on Tuesday 25 March, and is expected to last for approximately three weeks, with work taking place daily between 8am and 6pm.

The A9 at Scrabster is a critical route, providing access to the busy harbour and ferry terminal, providing lifeline services to and from Orkney. Ensuring the safety and resilience of this section of road is essential to the local economy.

To ensure the safety of both road users and the workforce, the existing “give and take” traffic management system will be replaced with temporary two-way traffic lights for the duration of the works to provide a safe area to work within.

The programme will involve the safe removal of loose debris and damaged fencing, as well as salvaging stones from the damaged masonry wall. The primary works will involve installing a geotechnical matting material onto the exposed hillside soil to protect it and encourage vegetation growth. This will be secured with mesh and a pattern of long soil nails. Finally, the fence and stone wall will be reinstated to restore the area.

BEAR Scotland has been engaging with all relevant stakeholders to ensure they are informed about the project and the temporary traffic management measures in place.

Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said: “The temporary traffic management arrangements are essential to safeguard both road users and our workforce. We urge all motorists to follow the signage and traffic controls in place to avoid unnecessary delay.

“We appreciate road users’ patience while we carry out these vital repairs. Our teams will work as efficiently as possible to complete the project safely and on schedule. This particular section of hillside next to the A9 is susceptible to landslides so following this immediate work, a wider review of the hillside will take place which will inform us as to other preventative work that may be possible.

“We encourage all road users to plan their journeys in advance, particularly those using the ferry service, by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up-to-date travel information.”

Real-time journey updates are available from Traffic Scotland at www.traffic.gov.scot or via X @trafficscotland.