Description of local environment

Air quality

A85 Ardchyle to Old Flax Mill and A85 East of Crianlarich:

There are no Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA); Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS); and no records on the Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) within 10km of the scheme extent.

Due to the rural location of the works. Baseline air quality is likely to be primarily influenced by traffic along the A85; with secondary sources likely derived by the nearby land management activities.

Cultural heritage

A85 Ardchyle to Old Flax Mill:

Several records of lesser cultural heritage importance are noted on the National Records of the Historical Environment (NRHE) and Historic Environmental Records (HERs) databases within 300m of the scheme.

NRHE

There are eight NRHEs within 300m of the scheme extent, the closest to the scheme is: Stirling – Tyndrum – Fort William Military Road, (Reference: 125642), located approximately 40m south of the scheme at its closest point; NGR: NN 5200 2896.

HERs

There are two HERs within 300m of the scheme extent, the closest to the scheme is: Liangarston (Reference: 65352), located approximately 140m southwest of the scheme at its closest point: NGR: NN 51919 28914.

A85 East of Crianlarich:

NRHE

There are three NRHEs within 300m of the scheme extent, the closest to the scheme is Benmore Farm, Glen Dochart, Limekiln, (Reference: 163121), located approximately 105m east of the scheme at its closest point; NGR: NN4129625892.

HERs

There are five HERs within 300m of the scheme extent, the closest to the scheme is Benmore Hydro-Electric Scheme, Glen Dochart (Reference: 5194), located approximately 90m east of the scheme at its closest point; NGR: NN 41270 25811.

There are no Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments, Garden and Design Landscapes, Conservation Areas, Battlefields, World Heritage Sites, Historic Marine Protected Areas, and Protected Military Remains within 300m of the scheme extenti (PastMap).

Construction of the A85 carriageway is likely to have removed any archaeological remains that may have been present within the carriageway boundary. The potential for the presence of unknown archaeological remains in the study area has therefore been assessed to be negligible. ‘Cultural heritage’ has been scoped out and is not discussed further within this Record of Determination (RoD).

Landscape and visual effects

A85 Ardchyle to Old Flax Mill and A85 East of Crianlarich:

The scheme extent lies within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (LLTNP) (Site Code: 8621) and has the following general Special Qualities:

A world-renowned landscape famed for its rural beauty
Wild and rugged highlands contrasting with pastoral lowlands
Water in its many forms
The rich variety of woodlands
Settlements nested within a vast natural backdrop
Famous through-routes
Tranquillity
The easily accessible landscape splendour.

There are no National Scenic Areas or other sites designated for its landscape character and quality within 300m of the scheme extent (SiteLink).

The Landscape Character Type noted within and surrounding the scheme extent is ‘232 – Valleys/ Straths/ Glens/ Voes – Straths and Glens’ (LCT 253). The LCT is characterised by the following:

Broad u-shaped glens and straths with wide flat floodplains.
Lower side slopes often rolling and complex with hummocky moraine and rocky outcrops.
Many glen and strath sides are forested predominantly with spruce, on upper slopes.
Rivers are predominantly in open floodplains, often contained by flood barriers and levees. Less modified stretches of river feature pools, gravel beds and waterfalls.
Riparian woodlands trace the course of the rivers and their tributaries.
Better drained strath and glen floors are farmed with improved pastures. Occasional small regular-shaped plantations and shelter belts pattern hill slopes and valley floors.
Mixed policy woodlands and avenues of trees lines access track in places.
Settlements and farms are located on lower side slopes, raised above the floodplain, and often tucked between knolls. Settlements tend to be sited at bridging points or at the junction with side glens.
Road and rail transport corridors follow the edges of strath and glen floors.
Pylons and low voltage overhead power lines are highly visible features across open glen floors.
open strath and glen floors allow views along and across the traditional farmed landscapes, attractive river landscapes and lochs, as well as the dramatic Highland setting of the surrounding rugged slopes and mountain summits.

Land use (HLA map) within 300m of the scheme extent at A85 Ardchyle to Old Flax Mill is classified as:

Rectilinear fields and farms;
Plantation; and
Rough grazing.

Land use (HLA map) within 300m of the scheme extent at A85 East of Crianlarich is classified as:

Freshwater area;
Rectilinear fields and farms;
Plantation;
Managed woodland; and
Rough grazing.

A85 trunk road, within the North West, connects Perth with Crianlarich and Tyndrum to Oban. The Perth to Crianlarich section commences at the Crieff Road Roundabout within Perth (including the roundabout) leading generally westwards for a distance of 81 kilometres to (but excluding) the A85 / A82 Crianlarich Roundabout. The Tyndrum to Oban section commences at the A82 / A85 Tyndrum junction leading generally westwards for a distance of 57 kilometres to its junction with the A816 within Oban (excluding the roundabout at Argyll Square). The A85 is a single carriageway along its length.

Biodiversity

A85 Ardchyle to Old Flax Mill and A85 East of Crianlarich:

There is one European site within 2km of the scheme extents, this is the River Tay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (Site Code: 8366), which is located approximately 215m north of the scheme at A85 Ardchyle to Old Flax Mill and approximately 20m north of the scheme at A85 East of Crianlarich, at the respective closest points.

Due to ecological connectivity with the above SAC, a Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) has been completed. Refer to the Biodiversity Impacts and Mitigation section below for further details.

There are no locally or nationally designated sites for biodiversity such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Nature Reserves (NNR) or Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) within 300m of the scheme extent (SiteLink).

A85 Ardchyle to Old Flax Mill:

There are no ancient woodlands within 300m of the scheme extent (Ancient Woodland Inventory).

There are no trees or areas of trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) by the LLTNP, within 300m of the scheme extent.

NBN holds numerous records of bird species within the above search criteria. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), all wild birds and their active nests are protected, with certain species receiving additional protections.

Habitat surrounding the area is dominated by woodland, grazing fields and freshwater.

No invasive non-native species (INNS), injurious weeds (as listed in the Network Management Contract (NMC)) and any other species of conservation importance were found on the NBN Atlas, using the same search criteria.

A search of Transport Scotland’s Asset Management Performance System (AMPS) recorded one record of common ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris), injurious weeds (as listed in the NMC), within 300m of the scheme.

A85 East of Crianlarich:

There is one area of ancient woodland within 300m of the scheme extent, this is an ancient (semi-natural origin) woodland (Wood ID: 16274) located approximately 275m north of the scheme, on the northern aspect of the Loch Dochart (Ancient Woodland Inventory).

There are no trees or areas of trees covered by a TPO by the LLTNP, within 300m of the scheme extent.

Habitat surrounding the area is dominated by woodland, marshy grassland, and freshwater.

No INNS, injurious weeds (as listed in the NMC) and any other species of conservation importance were found on the NBN Atlas, using the same search criteria.

A search of Transport Scotland’s AMPS recorded no instances of INNS or injurious weeds (as listed in the NMC) within 300m of the scheme.

An ecology survey was carried out on the 17/09/2026 by BEAR Scotland.

Geology and soils

A85 Ardchyle to Old Flax Mill:

There are no Geological Conservation Review Sites (GCRS) or SSSIs designated for geological features within 300m of the scheme (SiteLink).

According to the Carbon and Peatland Map 2016, soils in the area and around the scheme extents, are comprised of Class 0 (mineral soil).

The land surrounding the scheme extent is classified as ‘1 – Alluvial Soils – Mineral alluvial soils with peaty alluvial soils’ and ‘503 – Mineral Podzols – Humus-iron podzols with peaty gleys’ (Scotland's Soils).

Bedrock geology (BGS Geology Viewer) within the scheme consists of Loch Tay Limestone Formation – Metalimestone.

Superficial deposits (BGS Geology Viewer) within the scheme consists of Alluvium-Sand and gravel.

A85 East of Crianlarich:

There are no Geological Conservation Review Sites (GCRS) or SSSIs designated for geological features within 300m of the scheme (SiteLink).

According to the Carbon and Peatland Map 2016, soils in the area and around the scheme extents, are comprised of Class -2 (non-soil) and Class 0 – (mineral soil).

The land surrounding the scheme extent is classified as ‘601 – Loch’ and ’98 – Corby – Humus-iron podzols with mineral alluvial soils with peaty alluvial soils’ (Scotland's Soils).

Bedrock geology (BGS Geology Viewer) within the scheme consists of:

Till- Diamiction
Ben Ledi Grit Formation – Psammite and semipelite
Superficial Theme Not Mapped- Water, type unspecified

There were no records of superficial deposits (BGS Geology Viewer) within the scheme extent.

Material assets and waste

The proposed scheme is required for general maintenance of the A85. Material used will consist of:

TS2010 10mm aggregate
AC20 40/60 Binder
Milled in road studs
Thermoplastic road marking paint
Bituminous emulsion bond coat

Both scheme values exceed £350,000; therefore, a Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) is required and will be completed as part of these works.

A site compound is not required for the proposed works as access will be gained through TM.

All road planings will be managed in accordance with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Position Statement WAS-PS-07 (Low Risk Waste Activity (LRWA 3) and recycled in line with SEPA Guidance WAS-G-DEF-05 on End-of-Waste for Recycled Aggregates. The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring full compliance with these requirements. Coal tar has not been highlighted as being present within the schemes.

Noise and vibration

A85 Ardchyle to Old Flax Mill:

The works do not fall within a Candidate Noise Management Area (CNMA) as defined by Transport Scotland’ Transportation Noise Action Plan (TNAP) 2024-2028.

Modelled noise data for the A85 at the scheme extent shows that the day, evening and at night ((L_DEN) fall between 67 - 69 dB (Scotland's Noise Map).

Due to the rural location of the scheme, baseline noise levels are likely to be primarily influenced by traffic travelling along the A85; with secondary sources derived from local residents, and commercial and industrial activities

A85 East of Crianlarich:

The works do not fall within a Candidate Noise Management Area (CNMA) as defined by Transport Scotland’ Transportation Noise Action Plan (TNAP) 2024-2028.

Modelled noise data for the A85 at the scheme extent shows that the day, evening and at night ((L_DEN) fall between 72 - 76 dB (Scotland's Noise Map).

Population and human health

A85 Ardchyle to Old Flax Mill:

Given the location of the scheme extent and surrounding area, there are approximately four residential properties within 300m of the scheme. All of these properties are located outwith the scheme extent and screening between the works and properties is present in the form of hedges/ line of trees.

There are no National Cycle Routes, Core Paths, or walking routes designated by WalkHighlands within 300m of the scheme extent.

There are no traffic count points adjacent to the scheme extent along the A85 trunk road. The closest is (ID: ATC06002), located approximately 3.2km east and recorded an annual average daily flow of 4,326 vehicles with 19.8% of these comprising on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in 2025 (Transport Scotland Traffic Count Data).

A85 East of Crianlarich:

Given the location of the scheme extent and surrounding area, there are approximately 15 residential properties within 300m of the scheme. The residential properties located adjacent to the scheme are all located to the east of the scheme extent and screening is present in the form of hedges and scattered trees.

There are no National Cycle Routes, Core Paths, or walking routes designated by WalkHighlands within 300m of the scheme extent.

There are no traffic count points adjacent to the scheme extent along the A85 trunk road. The closest is (ID: ATC06001), located approximately 1km west and recorded an annual average daily flow of 3,736 vehicles with 10.6% of these comprising on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in 2025 (Transport Scotland Traffic Count Data).

Road drainage and the water environment

A85 Ardchyle to Old Flax Mill:

There is one groundwater body within 300m of the scheme extent. This is the Killin, Aberfeldy and Angus Glens (ID: 150699), within the Scotland River Basin District, located within the scheme extent and accounts for 3,741km². In 2023 this groundwater body was identified as ‘Good’ condition by the SEPA under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) (SEPA).

The River Dochart is a river (ID: 6502), in the River Tay catchment of the Scotland River Basin District. The River Dochart accounts for 8.8km in length and lies approximately 215m north of the scheme extent. The River Dochart begins from the mouth of Loch Dochart and into the Loch Lubhair and continues until discharging into the River Lochy and Loch Tay. The River Dochart was given an overall assessment of ‘Moderate’ condition by SEPA under the WFD in 2023 (SEPA).

There are approximately four unclassified waterbodies being culverted underneath the scheme extent and adjacent to the scheme.

SEPA Flood Map highlighted areas at high risk of river and surface water and small watercourse flooding within the A85 carriageway at the scheme extent. This included a 10% chance of flooding from the River Dochart and adjacent surface water and small water course per year.

A85 East of Crianlarich:

There is one groundwater body within 300m of the scheme extent. This is the Killin, Aberfeldy and Angus Glens (ID: 150699), within the Scotland River Basin District, located within the scheme extent and accounts for 3,741km². In 2023 this groundwater body was identified as ‘Good’ condition by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) (SEPA).

The River Fillan is a river (ID: 6504), in the River Tay catchment of the Scotland River Basin District. The River Fillan accounts for 9.9km in length and lies approximately 20m north of the scheme extent. The River Fillan was given an overall assessment of ‘Moderate’ condition by SEPA under the WFD in 2023 (SEPA).

There are approximately eight unclassified waterbodies being culverted underneath the scheme extent and adjacent to the scheme.

SEPA Flood Map highlighted areas at high risk of river flooding within the A85 carriageway at the scheme extent. This included a 10% chance of flooding from the River Fillan per year.

Climate

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 (‘The Act’), and its subsequent amendment under the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019, sets the framework for the Scottish Government to address climate change. The Act has an ambitious target to reach Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, with any residual emissions balanced by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This is five years earlier than the rest of the UK due to the greater potential for carbon sequestration in Scotland.

The Act was amended to replace interim targets with carbon budgets. Carbon budgets are legally binding caps on greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland over five-year periods. In line with the Act, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) published advice on the level of Scotland’s four carbon budgets, covering the period 2026 to 2045, recommending what the Scottish Government sets its carbon budgets at for annual average levels of emissions. These recommendations are based on an ambitious but credible route to Net Zero for Scotland by 2045.

Emissions reductions from surface transport are the largest contribution to meeting the first two carbon budgets. The pathway for surface transport emission reduction is primarily driven by the uptake of electric vehicles, in addition to measures to enable a shift from car use to public transport and active travel, which all play a role in reducing emissions from fossil fuel cars. Ensuring efficiency of existing transport infrastructure and improving/providing new active travel facilities is therefore important to support these carbon reduction budgets.

Transport is the largest contributor to harmful climate emissions in Scotland. In response to the climate emergency, Transport Scotland are committed to reducing their emissions by 75% by 2030 and to the above noted legally binding target of netzero by 2045. Transport Scotland is committed to reducing carbon across Scotland’s transport network and this commitment is being enacted through the Mission Zero for Transport (Mission Zero for transport | Transport Scotland).

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