Rubicon Heritage Services has secured a £2 million contract to conduct archaeological investigations along the route of the A9 Dualling project between Tay Crossing and Ballinluig.

The work will involve a range of techniques, including surveys, trial trenching, excavation, and analysis of archaeological finds. A key focus will be the investigation and recording of the Kindallachan Cairn, a scheduled monument in the area.

The project will also deliver social value benefits, such as the use of renewable energy sources and community engagement initiatives.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP said: "It is important that we modernise our road network in a way which respects the rich heritage and history in the areas where construction is taking place. Investing in these archaeological works will enable us to explore, document and better understand a key part of ancient Scotland as we progress the delivery of the A9 Dualling: Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project. The main construction contract for this project is currently in procurement and we are on track to award the contract next Summer which will deliver the next milestone of our Delivery Plan.

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"Communities along the A9 and road users will already be seeing more visible work across the A9 between Perth and Inverness with site clearance works underway on the Tomatin to Moy section and ground investigation works underway further south associated with the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig and Pitlochry to Killiecrankie projects."

Ruth Whillis, Transport Scotland's Project Manager said: "This contract, alongside a number of other advance works packages, will help to minimise delays to the main construction contract, by reducing the risk of archaeological finds which could impact the contractor's programme.

"The archaeology investigations are expected to commence in December 2024 and continue on site for approximately five months."