Description of local environment

Air quality

There are 42 buildings within 300m of the site extents comprising predominantly residential properties, with some outbuildings and commercial properties. There are a two ecological receptors located within 300m of the site extents, which are the following:

  • River Tay Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The proposed scheme is located partially within the SAC.
  • An area of ancient (of semi-natural origin) woodland which is registered on the Ancient Woodland Inventory Scotland is located approximately 200m north-east of the site extents.

There are no community receptors within 300m of the proposed site extents, such as parks or recreational areas.

The proposed scheme is not located within any Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) and no air quality monitoring stations are located within 300m of the works. The air quality in the vicinity of the scheme is most likely to be influenced by the road traffic on the A924 (Perth Road), the northbound slip road and the A9.

A review of the Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) shows that there are also no registered pollutant-emitting facilities within a 10km proximity of the site extents.

Cultural heritage

A search of the Historic Environment Scotland (HES) Pastmap website shows that there are two designated cultural heritage assets within 300m of the proposed scheme:

  • Scheduled Monument - Foirche, Settlement, Dalshian (ID: SM6296), located 200m north east of the site extents.
  • Listed building – Dalshian House, Croftinloan, Pitlochry (ID: LB11853), located 90m north east of the site extents.

There are no Inventory Battlefields, Conservation Areas, Inventory Gardens and Designated Landscapes within 300m of the proposed scheme.

There are no non-designated cultural heritage assets within the proposed scheme extent. The following non-designated cultural heritage assets have been identified within the 300m of the proposed scheme on the Historic Environment Record (HER):

  • Middlehaugh Of Dalshian (MPK14163), House (Late Modern), approximately 110m to the east of the proposed scheme;
  • Donavourde Lodge (MPK18442), Gate Lodge (Late Modern), approximately 110m to the north-east of the proposed scheme;
  • Dunkeld - Dalnacardoch - Ruthven - Aviemore - Inverness Military Road, Moulinearn To Pitlochry (MPK9292), Military Road (Early Modern), approximately 140m to the east of the proposed scheme;
  • Fourich / Foirche; Middle Haugh Of Dalshian; Na Manaich; Middle Haugh (MPK1606), Church (Late Medieval-Late Modern), Sub Circular Enclosure (Bronze Age-Early Medieval), Cemetery (Late Medieval-Late Modern), Enclosed Settlement (Bronze Age-Early Medieval), approximately 150m to the north-east of the proposed scheme; and
  • Easthaugh Of Dalshian (MPK20071), Farmstead (Early Modern-Late Modern), approximately 300m to the south-east of the proposed scheme.

In addition, there are two events found within 300m of the proposed scheme on Pastmap - A9 Dualling Programme: Pitlochry To Killiecrankie (ID: 380105), and A9 Dualling Programme: Tay Crossing To Ballinluig (ID: 370151). These are both listed under the National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE).

Landscape and visual effects

The proposed scheme is not situated in or within 300m of any landscape designations.

The Scottish Landscape Character type (LCT) Assessment Map shows that the landscape within the site extents and the surrounding area is classified as Lower Upland Glens (LCT 372). This LCT is characterised by the following key characteristics:

  • Lower sections of the principal glens north of the Highland Boundary Fault.
  • Larger scale landscapes than the mid and upper reaches of these glen,
  • which are generally wider with broader floodplains.
  • Combinations of upland and lowland attributes, with evidence of glaciation, but lacking many of the classic glacial features, such as corries, hanging valleys and misfit rivers, found higher up.
  • Broad floodplains, often with meandering rivers, interspersed with narrower, gorge-like sections where harder rocks cross the glens.
  • The most settled parts of the glens, with transport corridors housing main roads and railways, large towns, castles, fortified manor houses, historic estates and estate villages.
  • Modern expansion of larger settlements, with pockets of smaller housing development out of the main settlements.
  • Fertile farmland on valley floor and valley slopes with large fields separated by hedgerows with tree lines, woodland belts and post and wire fences.
  • Substantial and varied woodland cover – broadleaf woodlands clothing steeper slopes, around estate properties and along rivers, with conifer forests on valley sides and associated with estates.
  • Influence of large estates, castles and Victorian development, with their historic buildings and parkland.
  • Corridor views along the valley.

The area surrounding the proposed scheme has dense vegetation to the south-east and north-east. An area of ancient (of semi-natural origin) woodland which is registered on the Ancient Woodland Inventory Scotland is located approximately 200m north-east of the proposed scheme. An area of upland birchwood woodland is registered on the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland, also located approximately 200m to the north-east of the proposed scheme.

Areas 1 and 2 shown on the site extents plan in Appendix A as potential compound/laydown areas contain non-designated woodland and vegetation. 

Visual receptors within the 300m of the proposed scheme are:

  • Users of the A9, slip roads and farm track.
  • Users of the A924 (Perth Road).
  • People visiting or accessing the River Tummel.
  • Visitors to, and residents of, the local area.

Biodiversity

Designated Sites

A search of NatureScot’s Sitelink identifies that the proposed scheme will be situated partially within the boundary of the River Tay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (ID: 8366).

There are no additional designated sites within 300m of the proposed scheme. Ballyoukan Juniper Wood Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located approximately 1.1km east of the proposed scheme.

Shingle Islands SAC is situated approximately 1.2km to the south-east from the proposed scheme, and is designated for Alder woodland on floodplains (which was last assessed as “Unfavourable declining” as of November 2009). Shingle Islands SSSI is located in the same area as the SAC.

The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas has recorded the presence of the following invasive non-native species (INNS) within 5km of the proposed scheme over the past 10 years:

  • Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
  • American Skunk-cabbage (Lysichiton americanus)
  • Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

Ecology Surveys

Jacobs has undertaken a suite of ecology surveys originally to facilitate packages of works at the A9 530 Tummel Bridge including painting works (which were undertaken in 2021), joint replacement works (which were undertaken in 2022) and to facilitate bearing works (still to be undertaken). Additionally, data for Tummel Bridge has been collected through the A9 Dualling Scheme.

Nesting bird checks were carried out in March, April and May 2021, and a preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) and non-native species (NNS) survey was carried out in July 2020 and again in June 2022. A PRA, protected species and NNS survey was also undertaken in June 2023. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) was recorded within 50m of Tummel Bridge in July 2020 and June 2022. Himalayan balsam was not recorded during the 2023 surveys but this is likely due to the timing of the survey that it was not yet visible.

A Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) and associated consultation with NatureScot was undertaken to facilitate the Geotechnical Investigation (GI) works for the proposed wall repair. The GI works were undertaken in March 2025.

In October 2025 a site walk over was carried out by Jacobs ecologists in the surrounding area of Tummel Bridge. A summary of the results is as follows:

  • No INNS were found within 50m of the eastern abutment and support for the Tummel Bridge. Himalayan balsam was located in proximity to the western abutment and support of Tummel Bridge, at approximately NGR: NN 95078 56703. Individual instances of Himalayan balsam were noted at the river’s edge both up and downstream. No other instances of INNS were located within 50m of Tummel Bridge.
  • No breeding birds were recorded using the Tummel Bridge for nesting or perching.

Geology and soils

A search of NatureScot’s Sitelink shows that there are no Geological Conservation Review Site (GCRS) or geological SSSIs (defined as SSSIs with geological qualifying features) located within 300m of the proposed scheme.

The bedrock geology within scheme extent according to the British Geological Survey Geology Viewer consists of Southern Highland Group-Psammite and semipelite. These rocks were sedimentary in origin, possibly graded sediments or turbiditic flows in a deep-marine environment but have subsequently undergone metamorphism.

The superficial deposits within site extents according to the British Geological Survey Geology Viewer consists of Alluvium-Clay, silt, sand and gravel. These sedimentary deposits 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).

A search of Scotland’s Environment’s Soil Map shows that within the site extents and within 300m soils consist of Humus-iron podzols with mineral alluvial soils with peaty alluvial soils.

Material assets and waste

The proposed scheme aims to deliver a permanent solution for stabilising the affected riverbank along the A9 slip road by constructing a contiguous steel tubular wall. The following materials will be used during the construction works:

  • Steel tubular piles
  • Filter Geotextile material
  • Imported granular fill
  • Imported rock armour revetment
  • New Vehicle Restraint System (VRS)

Construction works at the site will include the excavation of made ground and natural soils within the site area. It is assumed that soil arisings not re-used from the works will be taken off site and will be disposed of in accordance with the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR). Based on the chemical analysis of ground samples, the excavated material is not assessed to have hazardous properties and, as such, are likely to be classified as either non-hazardous or inert waste depending on compliance with the Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC).

It is anticipated that the granular fill from the removed granular rock bags will be re-used.

Disposal options will be considered during the design and construction stages of the scheme as more information becomes available and construction methods are finalised.

Noise and vibration

The proposed scheme is not situated within any of the defined Noise Management Area or Candidate Quiet Area (CQA). The current noise climate in the area will likely be influenced by the traffic on the A924 (Perth Road), the A9, and A9 northbound slip road. The receptors which have the potential to be affected by noise are the 42 (predominantly residential) properties within 300m of the site extents.

The modelled noise level (day-evening-night level (LDEN)) ranges between 64 decibels (dB) and 73dB within the site extents, and ranges between 54dB and 59dB at the nearest (residential) noise sensitive receptor (NSR) (Scotland's Environment Scotland's Noise). 

Population and human health

The proposed scheme is located 1.4km south-east of Pitlochry. There are 42 (predominantly residential) properties within 300m of the site extents. Additionally, there is a farm access track located within and along the western boundary of the site extents. There are no Core Paths or National Cycle Networks (NCN) routes within 300m of the proposed scheme.

The closest traffic count point (ID: 722) on the A9 is approximately 400m south-west of the site extents. In 2024 the total Average Annual Daily Flow of vehicles at this point was 15,827, of which 1,465 were Heavy Goods Vehicles.

A search of the Perth and Kinross Council planning portal identified the following planning applications or appeals that have been submitted within 300m of the proposed site extents within the last 5 years:

  • 23/00924/FLL - Dalshian House Croftinloan Pitlochry PH16 5TD, Part change of use of dwellinghouse to nursery business, which was refused on 11/10/2023.
  • 24/00139/FLL - Stravaigin Donavourd Pitlochry PH16 5JS, Alterations to garage to form studio/bunkhouse, formation of external staircase, high level bridge to garden area, and associated works. This application was approved on the 21/03/2024.
  • 25/00634/TW - Land 80 Metres South East Of Croftmhor School Loan Croftinloan Pitlochry PH16 5TA, Land 80 Metres South East Of Croftmhor School Loan Croftinloan Pitlochry PH16 5TA, Tree Works. This application was approved on the 12/05/2025.

The site boundaries of the identified planning applications do not overlap with the site extents of the proposed scheme.

Road drainage and the water environment

The source of the River Tummel is at the eastern end of Loch Rannoch. From here, the river typically flows east and forms a series of lochs within the upper catchment. Downstream, the river flows in a south-east direction towards the River Garry. The main stem (Loch Faskally to River Tay) is approximately 9.2km in length, however the full length of the River Tummel stretches beyond this. The River Tummel has a catchment size of 1649km2, primarily within the southern Grampians, which is flashy and very reactive due to steep topography, thin soils, steep slopes and impermeable catchment geology. Whilst the catchment is flashy and reactive as it flows into the primary watercourses, these are highly controlled for hydroelectric power.

The River Tummel is best described as a wandering gravel-bed channel, though this characteristic varies along its course. The Faskally Dam upstream influences the hydrological regime and likely affects geomorphic continuity and sediment transport downstream. The valley floors contain extensive fluvial and lacustrine alluvium deposits overlying glacially weathered topography and Alluvial fans, common at tributaries, influence lateral channel migration. The morphology of the River Tummel is described as a sinuous, meandering planform within a wide floodplain. Bed material ranges from fines to boulders. Most of the sediment is mobile and forms alternate coarse lateral and point bars which display a characteristic imbricated pattern. Mid and lateral channel bars are present downstream of the existing A9 Tummel Bridge and are partially vegetated with grass and mature deciduous trees. Evidence of paleo-channels is noted in the form of meander scars, abandoned and rejuvenated channels, scrollbars and irregular terrain on the floodplain. The present status is adjusted and stable. However, the channel is highly dynamic on a local scale at Tomdachoille Island and Tummel Shingle Island.

A search of SEPA’s Water Classification Hub shows that the River Tummel is classified under the provisions of the transposed EU Water Framework Directive 200/60/EC (WFD). The River Tummel is contained within the River Tay catchment of the Scotland river basin district under the River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) (waterbody ID: 6828 - River Tummel (L Faskally to R Tay)). The River Tummel is designated as a heavily modified water body due to the number of physical alterations within the reach that cannot be addressed without a significant impact on water storage for hydroelectricity generation. The River Tummel (L Faskally to R Tay) was classified by SEPA in 2024 as having ‘Moderate ecological potential’.

The entirety of the site extents are situated within Tummel and Tay Sand and Gravel groundwater body (ID: 150735). As of 2024, this groundwater body was classified by SEPA as having a ‘Good’ overall status.

The SEPA Flood Maps show that the proposed scheme is partially located within an area of high likelihood for river flooding (each year this area has a 10% chance of flooding) and medium likelihood for river flooding (each year this area has a 0.5% chance of flooding). The Maps also show the flood map extents as a consequence of climate change. There is medium likelihood of river flooding within the northernmost extents of the proposed scheme, and surrounding the A9 and slip road. Medium likelihood represents that by the 2080s, each year this area may have a 0.5% chance of flooding.

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.

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. 

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 is committed to reducing its emissions by 75% by 2030 and to the above noted legally biding target of net-zero 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).