Public inquiry for A9 dualling
Concerns over Killiecrankie section
However, the number of objections remaining - around 150 - is still enough to warrant an inquiry, and now Transport Scotland has instructed the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division to carry it out.
The campaign against the plans is being led by the group KilliecrAnkie1689, who want to see the historic battlefield preserved.
The group said: “The only part of the road that bothers us is the very first part of this section which runs over the inventory battlefield in Killiecrankie.
“Along with many others, KilliecrAnkie1689 objected to the original proposed scheme and the later refined scheme. We continue to object.
“KilliecrAnckie1689 intends submitting an outline of the issues that we wish to cover at an inquiry.
“The reporter will consider these at a pre-inquiry meeting to decide what arrangements are to be made. KilliecrAnkie1689 will attend the preinquiry meeting.”
The group is also keen to make sure everyone who wants to get involved in the public inquiry is able to do so.
The group also wants anyone who wants to discuss their objection or the upcoming inquiry to contact them on objections@killiecrankie1689.scot
A spokesperson for Transport Scotland confirmed: “We are aware of the sensitivities around what is an important battlefield, and site of historical and cultural significance, which is why we have been engaging extensively with the local community and key stakeholders since 2012.
“Having published draft orders for the Killiecrankie to Glen Garry scheme in November 2017, we made a number of design refinements to reduce land take on the battlefield site following feedback from Historic Environment Scotland and the local community.
“We must observe our statutory obligations and have therefore approached the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division to arrange a public local inquiry.
“As for all our road schemes, this is the appropriate forum for considering objections received but not withdrawn.”