During the last quarter, the North West team continued to strengthen relationships with local communities, elected representatives and key stakeholders so that local voices are reflected in project development and decision-making.

Following the Scottish Parliamentary elections in May, we reached out directly to newly elected MSPs to build relationships and improve awareness of BEAR Scotland’s role across the North West trunk road network. Each MSP received an information pack outlining our role in maintaining and operating the trunk road network, the services we provide on behalf of Transport Scotland, and providing key contacts for constituent enquiries. This proactive engagement helped establish communication channels with elected representatives so that they have access to the information they need to best support local communities.

Alongside engagement with elected representatives, we continued to support communication at a local level through our work with community councils, residents and businesses. This included producing A828 Ledaig project posters for Ardchattan Community Council, and maintaining key project webpages, helping to keep communities informed about projects and activities in their area.

The team also undertook early engagement on the proposed Brora puffin crossing project on the A9 and the views gathered from the community are helping design development for the project.

This combination of proactive outreach and stakeholder engagement has helped communities across the North West remain informed and has supported their contribution to projects being progressed in their area.