Progress on A9 Dualling: Pitlochry to Killiecrankie ramps up

With the announcement this week (20/10/2026) of the intention to award the main construction contract , tree felling work is being undertaken now to help prepare for the main construction getting underway.

Following the award of a contract to Geo Rope Limited earlier this month, tree felling and vegetation clearance operations will commence on site during the week starting 10 November and are expected to be ongoing until March 2027. Local residents and road users may notice tree felling operations in the area during this period.

It follows other work already undertaken to reduce risk to the main construction contract, including archaeological investigations and demolition of vacant properties. These activities provide valuable information for contractors, help address environmental risks and support efficient project delivery.

As tree felling can only take place at certain times of the year due to ecological and bird nesting restrictions, completing this work now is an important step in keeping the A9 Dualling Programme on track.

Joel Morrison, Project Manager at Transport Scotland, said:

The commencement of tree felling work kicks off an exciting phase for the A9 Dualling Pitlochry to Killiecrankie project, with the award of the main construction contract expected in the coming weeks. Undertaking tree felling works now helps to keep our programme on track as we move towards the main construction phase.

Traffic management is likely to be required for periods during the works to protect both road users and the workforce. We will work closely with our contractors to help minimise disruption wherever possible and keep local communities and road users informed ahead of restrictions being implemented.

Niall McLean, Director, Geo-Rope Ltd added:

This advance felling is an important first step towards dualling the A9 between Pitlochry and Killiecrankie. Much of the work is next to the live road, the Highland Main Line and the River Tay, so our focus is on carrying it out safely, with care for the local environment and as little disruption as possible.

As a Highland-based company, we’re pleased to be working in the area, and we’d like to thank local residents and road users in advance for their patience while the works are under way.

Woodland loss has been minimised through careful project design, with extensive replacement planting planned where impacts cannot be avoided. The project has received all required statutory consents.

Although construction will have some unavoidable short-term impacts on woodland, the extensive planting programme will create new woodland corridors over time, helping to reconnect habitats and enhance the local environment for future generations.

To keep up to date with the A9 Dualling Programme visit www.a9dualling.scot