Peat plans target environmental gains on A9 Dualling
Transport Scotland is driving forward sustainable solutions for major road construction with a new approach towards peat management on the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project.
The project involves upgrading 9.6km of single carriageway to dual carriageway, and covers extensive peatland areas, which store carbon. Traditionally in road construction, the peat would be removed and disposed of as part of the construction process, which releases stored carbon, contributing to climate change. Transport Scotland is seeking a more sustainable solution to this challenge through the development of an innovative Peat Management Plan, which outlines a process for re-using and re-purposing excavated peat. The Plan, produced following input from delivery partners including Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Forestry Land Scotland (FLS), aims to minimise the environmental impact of construction by reducing the opportunity for carbon loss.
The Plan involves forming multiple ‘cell’ like structures within the area identified as suitable for peat re-use. The cells, once formed, will be infilled with peat that has been excavated as part of the dualling construction works. These ‘cell’ structures are being established at Allt na Slanaich, an area that was specially selected for its ground conditions, which were identified as being suitable for sustainable peat re-use. The handling of the excavated peat has also presented unique, complex challenges for the site team, as peat requires very wet conditions for storage and careful planning, making identification of a suitable location and suitable processes for handling the excavated peat crucial to success of the Plan.
When excavated peat is stored in this manner, it allows for the continued storage of large amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to tackle climate change. Over time, the site will also provide opportunity for natural peatland flora and fauna habitat and woodland to form, further enhancing the local ecosystem.
Since August 2025, the site has received around 1,000m³ of peat per day, with a total of approximately 100,000m³ expected over the course of the works.
September 22nd – 25th is Scotland’s National Innovation Week, celebrating and recognising innovative solutions and technologies being used across sectors to improve lives and tackle global challenges. Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP recently visited Allt na Slanaich to view the progress at the site. As part of Scotland’s National Innovation Week, she welcomed the approach, saying:
“The A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project is a great example of how Scottish Government investment is driving innovation in infrastructure delivery. This embedded approach towards peat management in our contracts is not only reducing carbon emissions but also protecting one of Scotland’s most valuable natural resources.
“As we mark Scotland’s first National Innovation Week, I’m proud to see A9 Dualling leading the way in applying modern construction methods to meet environmental challenges head-on. This work demonstrates how major construction projects like the A9 Dualling programme can deliver for local communities and businesses whilst supporting our climate goals.”
Following completion of the dualling works, the Allt na Slanaich site will be monitored for five years to ensure the Plan delivers its intended ecological outcomes, including improved soil moisture retention, carbon storage, and habitat restoration.