The recently completed puffin crossing scheme in Golspie has delivered a safer and more accessible crossing point for pedestrians, while also enhancing the surrounding footway and drainage infrastructure. With a similar project proposed for Brora, we’re looking at how lessons learned in Golspie can help us deliver a better experience for the local community there.

Delivered on behalf of Transport Scotland, the project required close collaboration between BEAR Scotland, six subcontractors, local stakeholders and the wider community.  Careful planning and coordination were essential throughout the works, with a need to adapt traffic management arrangements to ensure residents could continue to access key local facilities, including the polling station during the Scottish Parliament election.

The scheme was delivered despite the challenges of weather and the presence of underground utilities in the area, and throughout the construction period we received valuable feedback from local residents and road users relating to temporary construction details and access arrangements that will inform similar projects in the future.

With a similar puffin crossing project planned for Brora, the lessons learned in Golspie are already shaping our approach. By improving coordination between construction phases, strengthening programme management and continuing to engage with local communities throughout delivery, we aim to minimise disruption while delivering another scheme that enhances safety and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.