The go-ahead has been given to dual part of the A9 through Highland Perthshire land where a famous battle was fought following years of local concern over the site’s preservation.
Transport minister Jenny Gilruth has approved the statutory procedures for the dualling of a 22km stretch between Killiecrankie and Glen Garry.
The milestone follows calls to accelerate the A9 Dualling project after 14 people died on the route in 2022 so far.
The route passes through the site of the Battle of Killiecrankie, a clash between Jacobite and government troops in 1689.
Campaigners have argued that changes proposed by Transport Scotland do not go far enough to protect the historic site.
A local campaign group called KilliecrAnkie1689, although not against the dualling of the road, has been among the most vocal of objectors.
Established in January 2018 it has called for a more sensitive road plan over the battlefield than the scheme proposed by Transport Scotland.
Members fear the plan to widen on the northbound carriage will “damage or destroy” important features of the battlefield because the road will be built exactly where the two sides engaged in battle.
James Rattray, chairman of the heritage group the Soldiers of Killiecrankie, has also spoken out in protest against the plan over the years.
The announcement comes following a Public Local Inquiry held in January 2020 and recommendations made by the Reporter thereafter.
It means that 92 per cent of the A9 programme now has ministerial decisions to make Orders and complete the statutory process.
Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said: “I am well aware of the sensitivities around what is an important battlefield at Killiecrankie.
“The site is of historical and cultural significance, which is why Transport Scotland has been engaging extensively with the local community and key stakeholders since 2012.
“Having published draft orders for the Killiecrankie to Glen Garry scheme in November 2017, Transport Scotland made a number of design refinements to reduce land take on the battlefield site following feedback from Historic Environment Scotland and the local community.
“However, as Transport Scotland was unable to resolve all of the objections to the scheme, a Public Local Inquiry was held in January 2020.
“Following careful consideration of the Reporter’s findings, conclusions and recommendations, I have determined that the Orders for the A9 scheme should be made.
“I want to thank everyone who submitted representations and to give an assurance that those representations have been carefully considered.”
Subject to there being no challenge, Transport Scotland will then be in a position to complete the statutory process for the scheme and acquire the land to build it. Transport Scotland say the proposed scheme attempts to “minimise the impact” by utilising as little land as possible.
An environmental statement was developed following consultation with Historic Environment Scotland, Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust and the local community.
In developing the scheme, archaeological metal detecting and trial trenching surveys have been undertaken.
Archaeological excavations will also be undertaken in advance of or during construction to make a permanent record of any affected archaeological remains. Work is also currently progressing the procurement for the Tomatin to Moy section as well as design work on the rest of the programme.
