FAQ: A9 Scrabster Braes

Landslides affecting this vital section of the A9 have a damaging impact on trade and transportation in the north of Scotland, therefore we are taking a pro-active approach to protecting the trunk road and maintaining safe and resilient access to the harbour.

Medium and longer-term solutions are in progress to address wider issues across the hillside and improve the stability of the braes.

1. What works are BEAR undertaking on the A9 at Scrabster Braes
   The A9 Scrabster Braes project is a road improvement scheme designed to address ongoing stability issues on the hillside above the A9 at Scrabster Harbour. The works will help improve the long-term resilience, safety and reliability of this key route.The project will be carried out in phases including ground investigations, drainage improvements, installation of a debris flow barrier, wall repairs and soil nailing to stabilise the slope. Detailed designs are being developed following site investigations and assessments.
2. Why are the improvements needed?
   The hillside above the A9 has experienced instability and landslides typically occurring during periods of heavy rainfall. Improvements are required to reduce the risk of material reaching the road and disrupting access to the harbour. The project will improve road user safety and protect this key transport link which serves the local community, businesses and the harbour and ferry port at Scrabster.
3. What is the ground made up of?
   The slope is understood to consist of several layers of soil and rock material beneath the surface.The surface layer is topsoil. The thickness and composition of this layer varies across the slopes. Beneath the topsoil, there is a layer of glacial till, a natural deposit of clay, sand, gravel and stones left behind by glaciers during the last Ice Age. This is believed to make up much of the slope.

   Below the glacial till is sandstone bedrock that you can see exposed in the nearby cliffs at the harbour.

   Because the thickness, depth and strength of the soil and rock layers can change significantly over relatively short distances, we are proposing a programme of ground investigation works. These investigations will help us build a clearer picture of the layers beneath the slope and understand how they interact.

   The information gathered will provide greater certainty about the make up of the slopes, and will be used for the design of future slope stabilisation measures, helping to ensure that any proposed solution is safe, effective and appropriate for the site.

4. Who is delivering the project?
   The project is being developed and delivered on behalf of Transport Scotland by BEAR Scotland, working alongside specialist engineers, environmental advisors and contractors.
5. What is the timescale for the project?
   Due to the scale and complexity of the project, the works will be delivered in phases over several years.Updated timescales will be shared on the webpage: A9 Scrabster Braes – BEAR Scotland
6. Will the road remain open during the works?
   Whilst we will require some form of traffic management on the A9 leading to the harbour, we are not intending to have any road closures and shall work with the harbourmaster and others, to plan our works around busy periods and activities, so to keep any disruption to a minimum.Should a landslide result in materials reaching the A9 carriageway, we may need to implement an emergency road closure. However, the project is designed to reduce the likelihood and impact of landslides.
7. Is the road safe to use?
   Road users can continue using the A9 to access Scrabster Harbour safely. We’re taking these pro-active measures to improve the long-term stability of the hillside, so that access to the harbour is maintained. We also carry out regular landslide patrols during very wet weather, monitoring Scrabster Braes for movement which could indicate issues on the hillside.
8. What are debris flow barriers?
   Debris barriers, also referred to as landslide barriers or catch fences, are structures designed to contain soil, rock and vegetation that may move downhill during landslip events, helping to prevent material from reaching the road. It is proposed to place a barrier on the slope closest to the harbour to stop large debris items reaching the A9.
9. What is soil nailing?
   Our longer-term slope stabilisation solution will focus largely on installing soil nails, with work on the calculated higher risk areas of the slope being prioritised.Soil nailing is a ground reinforcement technique used to stabilise slopes, excavations, retaining walls, and embankments. It involves inserting long steel bars or “nails” into the soil and rock layers below to improve strength and prevent movement.
10. Why are drainage works proposed?
    Landslides occur when the soil becomes saturated. Drainage improvements, including a retention basin above the slope, will catch the surface water runoff keeping the slope drier and making landslides less likely.
11. How is the environment being considered?
    Environmental assessments are being undertaken as part of the project’s development. The design will seek to minimise impacts on the surrounding environment while delivering a safe and effective solution.Every effort will be made to keep the look of the area with local stone used for the wall repair and selective planting of native species of tree and shrubs being considered.

    We will consult and collaborate extensively with landowners, local groups and landscape architects to ensure planting is in accordance with the natural environmental of the area, maximising the biodiversity benefits of our project.

12. Will the works be noisy?
    Some elements of the project will involve noisier operations.  These will be kept to a minimum and restricted to day time with all noisy operations stopping by a reasonable time.
13. Why can I not see workers on the hillside?
    The full range of mitigation measures will be implemented in a phased approach. This means there won’t always be works taking place on the slope.Even if you’re not seeing workers on site at any point, please be assured that our teams of engineers in the office, are working hard to progress this complex project.
14. How long will the improvements last?
    The scheme is being designed as a long-term resilience measure. Soil nailing is a tried and tested method of slope stabilisation and has a design life  of  approximately 60 years or longer with appropriate maintenance.
15. How can I find out more about the project?
    Regular updates will be provided through the project webpage: A9 Scrabster Braes – BEAR ScotlandWe’ll also undertake direct communication with residents and businesses in the vicinity and provide updates to local community groups.

    If you have any queries or feedback, please email NWConsultation@bearscotland.com