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

Information requested

Original request: 202600501734

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

Further to my letter of 28 January 2026, I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIRs) for tree removal works on the A9 north of Kessock Bridge.

I have concluded that the original decision should be confirmed with modifications as we are able to provide part of the information you initially requested.

You asked that we review our response and provide details on the individual sub-contractors that delivered the contract and the amounts paid to each. Whilst your original request for a review concentrated on question two, it has been necessary to revisit your original request in full as a result of providing the answer to that specific question.

Please note an exception under regulation 10(4)(a) (information not held) of the EIRs applies to some of the information you have requested. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have some of the information you have requested. Under the terms of the exception at regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs, the Scottish Government is not required to provide information it does not have. The reason why that exception applies is explained below. This exception 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 exception. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exception.

I have responded to your questions in the format of your original enquiry.

Q1. The cost of each contract with a breakdown of the costs of each contract.
A1. Phase 1 had a final contract value of £239,000. Phase 2 has an estimated cost of £183,000.

Q2. The names of the contractors who undertook and are undertaking the tree works.
A2. Both phases of work were awarded to West Contract Services Ltd. of Inverness, a subcontractor certified under the NHSS 18 to undertake such works.

Q3. The total amount paid to each contractor.
A3. As per the exception under 10(4)(a) noted above, the Scottish Government does not hold this information. The specific values paid to the sub-contractor are confidential and form part of a commercially sensitive agreement between BEAR Scotland and West Contract Services Ltd.

Q4. When and how the contracts were procured.
A4. The contracts were procured directly by BEAR Scotland in 2025 in their role as Transport Scotland's Operating Company for the Scottish Trunk Road Network Management Contract for the North West Unit.

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.