G4 0HF
TRANSPORT SCOTLAND
A9 MUNLOCHY, NORTH KESSOCK
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
DETERMINATION UNDER SECTION 55A OF
THE ROADS (SCOTLAND) ACT 1984
The Scottish Ministers give notice that they
have determined that the project to carry
out tree felling within the trunk road
boundary along the A9 at Munlochy near
North Kessock on the Black Isle is a relevant
project within the meaning of section 55A
of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (“the 1984
Act”) as the works fall within Annex II of
Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of
certain public and private projects on the
environment, but that having regard to –
(a) the selection criteria contained in Annex III
of that Directive, namely
(i) the use of natural resources, in
particular land, soil, water and
biodiversity;
(ii) the production of waste;
(iii) pollution and nuisances;
(iv) the risks to human health (for
example due to water contamination
or air pollution);
(v) areas classified or protected under
national legislation; Natura 2000
areas designated by Member States
pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC and
Directive 2009/147/E,
(b) the results of the Environmental
Screening Assessment under section
55A(2) of the 1984 Act and the
Assessment under regulation 48 of the
Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.)
Regulations 1994 (“the 1994
Regulations”) concluded that there would
be no likely significant effects on the
Moray Firth Special Area of
Conservation, the Moray Firth Special
Protection Area, the Inner Moray Firth
Special Protection Area, and the Inner
Moray Firth RAMSAR,
(c) the information set out in the Record of
Determination dated 29 September
2024, available at https://www.
transport.gov.scot/transport-network/
roads/road-orders-and-records-of-
determination/#63527,
the project does not require an
Environmental Impact Assessment.
The main reasons for the conclusion that no
Environmental Impact Assessment is
required are:
(a) The works entail proactive felling of
trees which are now unprotected and
would likely fall during periods of high
winds causing a risk for road users as
well as loss of habitat, major visual
impact, and disturbance of soil structure;
(b) The Assessment under the 1994
Regulations concluded that there would
be no likely significant effects on the
Moray Firth Special Area of
Conservation, the Moray Firth Special
Protection Area, the Inner Moray Firth
Special Protection Area, and the Inner
Moray Firth RAMSAR; and
(c) The works will be undertaken during
daylight hours to minimise disturbance.
The features of the project which are
envisaged to avoid or prevent significant
adverse effects on the environment are:
(a) Mitigation measures and best practice
will be implemented to ensure no short-
term or long-term significant negative
impacts on the environment;
(b) Pre-works surveys will be conducted to
ensure there will be no impacts on
protected species which may reside
within the trees; and
(c) Measures will be in place to ensure
appropriate removal and disposal
of waste.
T Waaser
A member of the staff of
the Scottish Ministers
Transport Scotland
George House
36 North Hanover Street
Glasgow G1 2AD
