Project case study - Bankfoot Gala Day 2019

Being engaged with the local communities is an important way in which the A9 Dualling: Luncarty to Pass of Birnam project has helped to deliver added value through the construction as well as developing strong relationships which can help projects run more smoothly. Keeping local communities informed about the construction works, aids their awareness and understanding of what is happening and allows them to feel part of the process.

By connecting with Paul Neilson, Treasurer of the Bankfoot Gala Day Committee, the project team were able to discuss a package of support that took on a construction theme. This allowed the team to capitalise on the unique skills of the project team members and provided a platform to share information about progress and upcoming works on the A9 Dualling: Luncarty to Pass of Birnam project with local residents.

Balfour Beatty worked with their supply chain partner, Laird Plant Hire, to offer a mini digger, driver, and banksman for an eight-hour shift as the main prize for a silent auction. Residents were invited to bid on the prize with the winner putting it to good use upgrading their driveway or completing some landscaping works in their garden.

The team also donated a bottle of whisky for the raffle, ran a ‘Name the Digger Competition’ where local children suggested names for a wheeled excavator which was on display and offered free fly-fishing tutorials delivered by Alec Oliver, Project Manager and David Keable, Environmental Manager.

The project’s mobile exhibition centre was also available on the day showing the latest drone footage of progress on site.

Although the weather was not as favorable as in 2018, the event was well attended. Balfour Beatty donated more than £1,000 in benefit-in-kind donations to the Gala Day.

The wheeled excavator was named ‘Scoop’ by local school pupil, Finlay.