Description of local environment

Air quality

Baseline air quality levels are likely to be influenced by traffic volumes and associated emissions from the A77 carriageway and surrounding agricultural activities within the area. The Annual Average Daily Flow (AADF) in 2025 was estimated for the nearest traffic count points on the A77 carriageway located near the scheme extents. The AADF in 2025 for Count Point 94025 located approx. 1km west of the scheme accounted for a total of 7,868 vehicles, with 899 being heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

There are three properties located within 200m of the scheme extents. The closest receptor is Crossraguel Cottage, located <5m north of the scheme extents along the A77 carriageway.

There is one community air quality sensitive receptor within 200m of the scheme, Crossraguel Abbey Scheduled Monument located adjacent to the scheme.

There is a farm business located approx. 150m south of the scheme along the A77 carriageway.

South Ayrshire Council has not declared any Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). No real-time air quality monitoring stations are present within 200m of the scheme extents.

The Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) has not identified any polluting facilities within 1km of the scheme extents.

Cultural heritage

A desk-based assessment was undertaken using PastMap. A study area of 300m was used for designated cultural heritage assets and an area of 200m was used for non-designated cultural heritage assets.

Designated cultural assets identified within 200m of the scheme include:

  • Crossraguel Abbey (ID: SM90087), Scheduled monument, located adjacent to the scheme. The monument comprises the extensive remains of the 13th-century Cluniac Abbey of Crossraguel, surviving as substantial stone structures, as earthworks, and as buried archaeology, together with an area likely to contain part of the outer precinct.

Non-designated cultural assets identified within 200m of the scheme include:

  • Crossraguel Cottage (ID: 320551), National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE), located within the scheme extents;
  • Crossraguel Cottage (ID: 204615), NRHE, located within the scheme extents;
  • Archaeological Dek-Based Assessment: Maybole To Girvan High Pressure Natural Gas Pipeline, South Ayrshire (ID: 4300), Historic Environment Record (HER), located within the scheme extents;
  • Archaeological Watching Brief: Kirkoswald Mains Rehabilitation, South Ayrshire (ID: 4852), HER, located within the scheme extents;
  • An Archaeological Watching Brief At Crossraguel Abbey, Maybole, Ayrshire (ID: 995), HER, located within the scheme extents;
  • Crossragual Abbey,Maybole,Archaeological Watching Brief, Data Structure Report (ID: 3416), HER, located within the scheme extents;
  • Archaeological Watching Brief: Crossraguel Abbey, Kirkoswald, South Ayrshire (ID: 4103), HER, located within the scheme extents;
  • Archaeological Watching Brief: Signage Relocation Trench, Crossraguel Abbey (ID: 5165), HER, located within the scheme extents;
  • Crossraguel Cottage (ID: 77556), HER, located within the scheme extents;
  • Crossraguel Abbey (ID: 40830), NRHE, located approx. 27m south of the scheme extents;
  • Crossraguel Abbey (ID: 5408), HER, located approx. 28m south of the scheme;
  • Crossraguel Abbey, Dovecot (ID: 42133), HER, located approx. 71m south of the scheme;
  • Crossraguel Abbey, Doocot (ID: 204626), NRHE, located approx. 83m south of the scheme;
  • Crossraguel Abbey (ID: 40814), NRHE, located approx. 100m north of the scheme;
  • South Mains (ID: 77339), HER, located approx. 160m south of the scheme; and
  • South Mains (ID: 203461), NRHE, located approx. 190m south of the scheme.

Landscape and visual effects

The landscape surrounding the scheme extents is predominantly rural, characterised by scattered properties and farms, open agricultural fields, and ‘Abbeymill Burn’ watercourse. Sections of mature trees, hedgerow, scrub, and grassland are present along the scheme extents, which provide some visual screening from the works.

There are four properties located within 300m of the scheme extents. The closest receptor is Crossraguel Cottage, located <5m north of the scheme extents along the A77 carriageway and will have view of the works. The remaining three properties will have partial views of the works, as there is some visual screening from trees and hedgerow along the scheme extents.

There is one community receptor within 300m of the scheme, Crossraguel Abbey Scheduled Monument located adjacent to the scheme. Visitors will have full view of the works.

No National Parks (Scotland’s Environment Map), National Scenic Areas (NSAs), or Garden Designed Landscapes (GDLs) have been identified within 500m of the scheme extents (PastMap, Sitelink).

Core Paths (CP) SA32 and SA36 are located within the scheme extents with views of the works.

There is a footpath is present along a short section of the north side of the A77 carriageway, providing pedestrian access between the layby and the Crossraguel Abbey Scheduled Monument with sight of the works.

Scotland’s Landscape Character Type Map lists the landscape character type present within the scheme extents to be ‘Low Hills - Ayrshire’ and can be categorised as the following:

  • Undulating band of low hills with long ridges;
  • Relatively unmodified, open character;
  • Hills cut by valleys;
  • Prominent landmark hills on the periphery;
  • Richly diverse landcover pattern on lower hill slopes of pastoral fields, hedges, small woodlands and shelterbelts;
  • Heather moorland on upper slopes;
  • Relatively well-settled;
  • Main settlement of Maybole on elevated south-facing slopes;
  • Provide setting for Culzean Castle and the Girvan and Doon valleys; and
  • Dramatic views from pronounced hills to the coast, Firth of Clyde, Ailsa Craig and Arran.

Scotland’s Historic Land-Use Map lists the land surrounding the scheme extents as rectilinear fields and farms.

No trees under a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) have been identified within 500m of the scheme extents.

Scotland’s Ancient Woodland Inventory has not identified ancient woodland within 500m of the scheme extents.

Biodiversity

NatureScot’s Sitelink has not identified European designated sites within 2km, or with hydrological connectivity to the scheme.

NatureScot’s Sitelink has not identified other designated sites are within 200m or have direct connectivity to the works area, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), local and national nature reserves.

The NBN Atlas and Amey Environmental Screening Tool App resources has identified the presence of Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), an Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) within 500m of the scheme extents:

Scotland’s Ancient Woodland Inventory has not identified ancient woodland within 500m of the scheme extents.

Following a desk-based review, an Amey ecologist considered that a site visit was deemed necessary as verge works will occur. A site visit was undertaken by Amey ecologists on 16th July 2026. Key findings from the Preliminary Ecological Walkover (PEW) are summarised below:

  • Modified grassland is present throughout the proposed works area, within the verges and grazed fields in the wider environment.
  • Broadleaved woodland and hawthorn hedgerow are present throughout the proposed works area.
  • Within the scheme extents a residential property with the invasive non-native species (INNS) rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) exists.

Geology and soils

The scheme is not located within 200m of any Geological Conservation Review sites (GCRs), or Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) designated for their geological significance (NatureScot’s Sitelink).

The local soil type within the scheme extents is not currently available on the National Soil Map of Scotland resource.

Bedrock Geology:

  • Swanshaw Sandstone Formation-Sandstone. These sedimentary rocks are fluvial in origin. They are detrital, ranging from coarse- to fine-grained and form beds and lenses of deposits reflecting the channels, floodplains and levees of a river or estuary (if in a coastal setting).

Superficial Deposits:

  • Hummocky (Moundy) Glacial Deposits-Diamicton, clay, sand and gravel. These sedimentary deposits are glacigenic in origin. They are detrital, created by the action of ice and meltwater, they can form a wide range of deposits and geomorphologies associated with glacial and inter-glacial periods during the Quaternary.

Material assets and waste

Materials

Resurfacing will use Transport Scotland’s TS2010 hot-mix asphalt (HMA) specification with AC binder and base layers. Hot mix will be used due to supplier availability. While WMA provides energy and emissions benefits, HMA provides long-term durability, extending the design life of the carriageway and reducing the frequency of future resurfacing interventions. Refer to the Climate impacts and mitigation section for further details.

Other materials required will include road marking materials, road studs, vehicle fuel, oil, lubricant, filter stone, mortar/bituminous material for resetting gullies, and bollards.

Filter stone may contain a percentage of recycled content from previous schemes.

Materials will be obtained from recycled, secondary, or re-used origin as far as practicable within the design specifications to reduce natural resource depletion and associated emissions. For example, the binder and base courses used for resurfacing will contain a percentage of recycled material. Some material may be derived from primary resources, such as the road paint.

Wastes

Wastes are anticipated to be carriageway planings which will primarily be recycled at a licenced facility, thereby reducing the amount sent to landfill and promoting circular economy practices.

Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR) classes waste asphalt (uncontaminated) as a Low-Risk Waste Activity (LRWA) under ‘LRWA 3 - Treating asphalt road planings in a milling machine’. This means that uncontaminated road planings arising from the works do not require authorisation and will be fully recycled in accordance with SEPA’s guidance on asphalt road planings.

Other wastes include old bollards and soft verge material.

Coring investigations have not identified the presence of coal tar within treatment depths within the scheme extents.

A Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) will not be prepared prior to the works due to the scheme value being less than £350,000.

Noise and vibration

Baseline noise and vibration levels are likely to be influenced by vehicle traffic from the A77 carriageway and surrounding agricultural activities. The proposed diversion route passes through a more densely populated area, with over 100 sensitive receptors located within 300 m of the diversion route.

The AADF in 2025 was estimated for the nearest traffic count points on the A77 carriageway located near the scheme extents. The AADF in 2025 for Count Point 94025 located approx. 1km west of the scheme accounted for a total of 7,868 vehicles, with 899 being heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

There are four noise sensitive receptors (NSRs) located within 300m of the scheme extents. The closest receptor is Crossraguel Cottage, located <5m north of the scheme extents along the A77 carriageway.

One community receptor for noise and vibration has been identified within 300m of the scheme extents, Crossraguel Abbey Scheduled Monument located adjacent to the scheme.

There is a farm business located approx. 150m south of the scheme along the A77 carriageway.

Scotland’s Noise Map has indicated modelled day-evening-night noise levels (Lden) in the areas surrounding the carriageway to be around 71 dB within 5m of the works. Night-time noise levels (Lnight) surrounding the carriageway show levels of 64 dB within 5m of the works.

The scheme is not located within a Candidate Noise Management Area (CNMA) as defined within the Transportation Noise Action Plan.

Population and human health

The scheme is located along the A77 carriageway on the outskirts of the town of Maybole, South Ayrshire.

Core Paths SA32 and SA36 are located within the scheme extents with views of the works.

There is a footpath is present along a short section of the north side of the A77 carriageway, providing pedestrian access between the layby (NGR: NS277085) and the Crossraguel Abbey Scheduled Monument.

There are noNational Cycle Network (NCN) routes or bridleways (RideMaps Scotland) within 300m of the scheme.

There are no bus stops located within the scheme extents.

There is a layby present within the scheme extents along the A77 carriageway East bound (EB), and a layby located approx. 85m northeast of the scheme.

There is a single access point to the following properties and businesses within the scheme extents:

  • Farm business located approx. 150m south of the scheme;
  • Crossraguel Abbey Scheduled Monument located adjacent to the scheme; and
  • Four properties located at NGR: Crossraguel Cottage (<5m north of the scheme), Wellhome (45m south of the scheme), South Mains (145m south of the scheme), and South Mains (200m south of the scheme.

There are approx. four agricultural access/egress points located at NGR NS 27120 08389, NS 27350 08391, NS 27624 08434, and NS 27641 08419 within the scheme extents along the A77 carriageway.

Road drainage and the water environment

SEPA Water Classification Hub has not identified watercourses classified under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) within 500m of the scheme.

There are several field drains located within 500m of the scheme extents, the closest of which is located <10m north of the scheme extents.

‘Abbeymill Burn’ is located approx. <5m south of the scheme extents at the closest point.

The groundwater conditions within the scheme extents (entitled ‘Keith’, site ID: 150656) is listed as being in ‘Good’ condition under the WFD (SEPA Water Classification Hub).

There is a ‘High’ risk of surface water flooding (10% annually) within the scheme extents (SEPA Flood Maps).

The scheme is located within the ‘Girvan’ (ID: 150607) Drinking Water Safeguard Zone (Ground).

The A77 carriageway within the scheme extents is not located within a Scottish Government Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ).

Climate

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Scottish Carbon Budgets Amendment Regulations 2025 sets out the statutory framework for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Scotland. The prior annual and interim targets have been replaced by five-year carbon budgets, which sets limits on the amount of GHGs that can be emitted in Scotland.

The carbon budgets are aligned with advice from the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) and calculated in accordance with the 2009 Act. The 2025 Regulations define the baseline years for emissions reductions as 1990 for greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and 1995 for others such as hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulphur hexafluoride (as set out in Section 11 of the Act). The budgets are as follows:2026 - 2030: Average emissions to be 50% lower than baseline.

  • 2026 - 2030: Average emissions to be 50% lower than baseline.
  • 2031 - 2035: Average emissions to be 60% lower than baseline.
  • 2036 - 2040: Average emissions to be 80% lower than baseline.
  • 2041 - 2045: Average emissions to be 94% lower than baseline.

These budgets are legally binding and will be supported by a new Climate Change Plan, which will outline the specific policies and actions required to meet the targets.

Transport Scotland remains committed to reducing carbon across Scotland’s transport network, this commitment is being enacted through the Mission Zero for Transport. Transport is the largest contributor to harmful climate emissions in Scotland, representing for 37% nationwide, and Transport Scotland are committed to reducing their emissions by 50% by 2030. To support this, Transport Scotland’s Fourth Carbon Management Plan is committed to reaching Net Zero emissions across corporate activities by 2027. This will contribute to achieving a legally binding target of net-zero by 2045.

Amey’s Company Wide Carbon Goal is to achieve Scope 1 and 2 net-zero carbon emissions, with a minimum of 80% absolute reduction on our emissions by 2035. Amey is aiming to be fully net-zero, including Scope 3 emissions, by 2040.

Amey are working towards a contractual commitment to have carbon neutral depots on the SW NMC network by 2028. Amey have set carbon goals for the SW NMC contract as a whole to be net-zero carbon by 2032.

Monitoring, Management and Opportunities

To support our journey towards carbon neutral and zero waste we include potential opportunities for enhancement utilising circular economy principals within assessment of material assets.

Amey (working on behalf of Transport Scotland) undertake carbon monitoring. Emissions from our activities are recorded using Transport Scotland’s Carbon Management System.

Further information identifying how Amey will obtain the above Carbon Goals can be viewed within the Carbon Management and Sustainability Plan Roadmap to net-zero: STRNMC – South West.