First year of A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project delivers boost for local economy

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, visited the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy site to mark one year since the award of the construction contract, and to learn more about the value already being delivered for the local community and businesses in the area.

The £296 million Scottish Government investment (at Q2 2024 prices) in the project is already delivering significant social value benefits to the local communities and wider Scottish economy. Currently, over a third (36%) of employees on site are locally-based, and the construction work has led to spend of over £1 million with Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within 20 miles of the area, which is helping to support and drive the local economy.

In addition, training and development opportunities are being delivered for young people currently on site with further opportunities planned for the remainder of the construction period.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP said:

“Seeing the construction progressing well here at the northern end of the A9 Dualling Programme, as well as the news in July of the award of the fourth section to commence construction between Tay Crossing and Ballinluig in the southern part of the Programme, should really signal that the Scottish Government is committed to dualling the A9.

“Delivering social value is integral to our delivery programme for A9 Dualling, and I am encouraged to see the real and meaningful benefits our investment is already bringing to the local community and businesses.

“A9 Dualling is about more than just building a road—it’s about building opportunities. In just one year, we’ve seen real, tangible benefits delivered for local people and young people. These are the kinds of outcomes that show how infrastructure investment can transform lives and strengthen communities, and this will be happening across the Highlands as we continue to deliver further sections on the Programme.”

Training Scotland’s future engineers

Since the contract was awarded to Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd in July 2024, the project is now starting to take shape with works well advanced for the diversion of Dalmagarry Burn watercourse, construction of numerous culverts along with preparations for commencement of construction of the new Moy Rail Bridge and progression of significant earthworks that are shaping up what will become the new dualled section of A9 Tomatin to Moy. Our progress goes beyond construction of the road, with the project also delivering substantial social and economic benefits.

Three apprentices and eight graduates are currently working on the site, with more anticipated throughout the project’s duration. The project has supported over 220 hours of training for the graduates, upskilling and training Scotland’s future workforce with hands-on experience and knowledge.

By the end of construction, the Tomatin to Moy project is expected to have delivered at least 88 new qualifications to the workforce, supporting sustainable employment opportunities.

Investing in local businesses and people

Transport Scotland contributes to creation of job opportunities for local people through its contract, targeting efforts at opportunities for specific groups such as long-term unemployed, ex-offenders and young people. On the Tomatin to Moy project, this is being delivered through engagement with local organisations to ensure that sustainable employment opportunities are available to the local community. Recently, the contractor for the project, Balfour Beatty, held an employability event at His Majesty’s Prison Inverness. This kind of engagement aims to support ex-offenders into new, sustainable local jobs whilst reducing re-offending rates.

In addition to delivering opportunities for jobs, education and training, the Tomatin to Moy project team has also supported local community projects such as the Tomatin community housing project and Moy Country Games, through donations, volunteering hours and provision of materials. Recent examples of this include a pledge from Balfour Beatty to assist with on-site support on Tomatin’s housing community project which recently commenced construction; and provision of traffic management support and additional materials for the organisers at the local Moy Games.

For more information on the different social value benefits being delivered, and construction and traffic management updates, please visit www.a9dualling.scot