Transport Scotland - Contract information regarding the roadside tree removal projects on the A9: EIR release

Information requested

In relation to the works outlined above in the subject line, I am seeking the following information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 in relation to each of the two roadside tree removal projects on the A9 circa two miles North of the Kessock Bridge Inverness. The first round of works took place during 2025 and the second round of works are due to commence this week.

1. The cost of each contract with a breakdown of the costs of each contract.

2. The names of the contractors who undertook and are undertaking the tree works.

3. The total amount paid to each contractor.

4. When and how the contracts were procured.

Response

As the information you have requested is 'environmental information' for the purposes of the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIRs), we are required to deal with your request under those Regulations. We are applying the exemption at section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA), so that we do not also have to deal with your request under FOISA.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption, because there is no public interest in dealing with the same request under two different regimes. This is essentially a technical point and has no material effect on the outcome of
your request.

I will retain your numbering for ease. In respect of Tree works two miles north of Kessock Bridge you requested:

Q1. The cost of each contract with a breakdown of the costs of each contract.

A1. Phase 1 of these works was undertaken at a cost of £239,000 and Phase 2 has an estimated cost of £183,000.

Q2. The names of the contractors who undertook and are undertaking the tree works.

A2. The Principal Contractor for the works is BEAR Scotland under the terms of the Contract. BEAR is accredited under National Highways Sector Scheme 18 for the Natural Environment and Landscape (NHSS 18)

The next phase, which has started, is being undertaken in the same manner.

Q3. The total amount paid to each contractor.

A3. Please see Answer 1.

Q4. When and how the contracts were procured.

A4. Transport Scotland has contracts in place with Operating Companies to ensure Scottish trunk roads are safe, efficient and well managed.

The works above were awarded to BEAR Scotland via the Scottish Trunk Road Network Management Contract for the North West Unit. The current contract for the North West Unit commenced 16 August 2022.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.