Archaelogy atsiteonA9

Archaeological works are to be carried out to protect historic sites along the A9 before the ambitious dualling project gets under way.

Transport Scotland has set aside £500,000 for archaeological surveys to be carried out on a number of Perthshire sites along the Luncarty to Pass of Birnam stretch of the A9.

These sites of interest include several standing stones, the Court Hill Cairn (an ancient monument), the Perth to Dunkeld turnpike, which dates back to the 18th century, and the site of a demolished toll cottage.

This comes as archaeological surveys have already been carried out on the site of the 1689 Battle of Killiecrankie in Highland Perthshire as part of the dualling project.

Transport Scotland is now inviting bidders to come forward for the £470,000 contract.

The bid brief states:“The main objective to be delivered by the economic operator will be evaluate or mitigate the effect of the scheme on cultural heritage assets.

“This will require non-invasive and invasive archaeological investigations, mitigation excavations in required, and post-excavation assessment and reporting.”

A spokesperson for Transport Scotland added:“It is standard practice for us to consider the impacts of all major road infrastructure projects on cultural heritage prior to any works starting on site.

“This involves undertaking archaeological surveys to ensure that any potential archaeological assets are carefully recorded to preserve Scotland’s cultural heritage.

“As is usual for projects of this nature, the following initial surveys across the A9 Luncarty to Pass of Birnam scheme, a number of potential archaeological assets have been identified as requiring further investigation to determine the existence and extent of any buried archaeology.”

Companies have until Friday, August 25 to bid for this contract.