Transport Scotland is pioneering a sustainable approach to major road construction with an innovative Peat Management Plan developed for the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project. The project involves upgrading a 9.6km section of single carriageway to dual carriageway through extensive peatland areas, which are vital carbon stores.

Traditionally, peat is removed and disposed of during construction, a process which releases stored carbon and exacerbates climate change. Transport Scotland's new Plan, created with input from delivery partners including the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Forestry Land Scotland (FLS), seeks to minimise this environmental impact by re-using and re-purposing the excavated peat.

The Peat Re-use Process

The Plan involves forming multiple ‘cell' like structures at Allt na Slanaich, an area specifically chosen for its ground conditions, which are suitable for sustainable peat re-use. These cells are infilled with peat excavated during the dualling works.

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This method of storage allows for the continued retention of large amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to combat climate change. Over time, the site is also expected to provide an opportunity for natural peatland flora, fauna habitat, and woodland to form, further enhancing the local ecosystem.

Since August 2025, the Allt na Slanaich site has received approximately 1,000 cubic metres (1,000m3) of peat per day, with an expected total of around 100,000 cubic metres (100,000m3) to be managed over the course of the works. The site team has faced complex challenges in handling the excavated peat, as it requires very wet conditions and careful planning for successful storage.

Driving Innovation in Infrastructure

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, recently visited Allt na Slanaich to view the progress. Her visit coincided with Scotland's National Innovation Week, which ran from Monday, 22 September 2025 to Thursday, 25 September 2025.

She welcomed the innovative strategy, stating: "The A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project is a great example of how Scottish Government investment is driving innovation in infrastructure delivery. This embedded approach towards peat management in our contracts is not only reducing carbon emissions but also protecting one of Scotland's most valuable natural resources."

Ms Hyslop concluded that the work demonstrates how major construction projects can successfully deliver for local communities and businesses while also supporting Scotland's climate goals.

Following the completion of the dualling works, the Allt na Slanaich site will undergo monitoring for five years to ensure the Plan achieves its intended ecological outcomes, including improved soil moisture retention, continued carbon storage, and habitat restoration.