Transport Scotland - Correspondence with Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) regarding works at Raigmore interchange: EIR release

Information requested

I am writing to hear about correspondence with SGN about the works at Raigmore interchange. I am particularly looking to know what the original timeline was made out to be, if they have given any reason for the gas works needing done, what the issue was and more.

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.

You requested correspondence with SGN about the works at Raigmore interchange. I am particularly looking to know what the original timeline was made out to be, if they have given any reason for the gas works needing done, what the issue was and more. BEAR Scotland commenced works at Raigmore Interchange on 19 January 2026. On 20 January 2026, a potential gas leak was identified on site. SGN was notified and attended the same day to investigate. Following their assessment, SGN confirmed that the gas main was leaking.

Due to the nature of the defect, the gas main could not be repaired and required urgent replacement to ensure public safety and maintain gas supplies to Inverness. SGN began replacement works on 10 February 2026. Initially, SGN advised that the works were expected to take approximately 15 weeks; however, this timeframe was subject to change depending on on-site conditions and progress.

SGN has since advised that additional works have been required, resulting in a longer completion period than originally anticipated and has now been extended to 19 June 2026.

BEAR Scotland has continued to liaise closely with SGN, Transport Scotland, Amey (as the operating company for the A96), and The Highland Council throughout this period. Where possible, BEAR Scotland has continued its own works on site; however, certain elements cannot yet be completed due to the ongoing gas main replacement works.

Once SGN has completed its works, BEAR Scotland will be able to finalise the Raigmore Interchange project.
Further information is available via SGN’s latest update on the emergency works: https://www.sgn.co.uk/our-gas-works/major-planned-projects/inverness-a96-raigmore-interchange

Emergency gas works on Scottish trunk roads are undertaken in accordance with the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, the associated Scottish Regulations, and the statutory Code of Practice for the Co‑ordination of Works in Roads. These requirements apply to all works promoters operating on the road network, including trunk roads managed on behalf of the Scottish Ministers by Operating Companies.

Where a situation constitutes an emergency, such as a gas escape or an immediate risk to safety or property, works may commence without prior notice in order to make the situation safe.

The works promoter is required to submit an emergency works notice to the Scottish Road Works Register (SRWR) as soon as practicable after the works have begun. This ensures that the road works authority and other stakeholders are made aware of the activity at the earliest opportunity. The promoter must also ensure that the SRWR is kept up to date with relevant information as the works progress, including any changes in duration or scope, and must submit a completion notice following reinstatement. You can access the SRWR register here Scottish Road Works Register (SRWR) | Scottish Road Works Commissioner in addition, information on these works is also available on the SGN website which can be accessed here Inverness, A96 Raigmore Interchange | SGN Your gas. Our network.

It may also be helpful to know that the Traffic Scotland website, operated on behalf of Transport Scotland, provides the public with current and reliable information on the trunk road and motorway network across Scotland and information on the SGN works is also available on the Traffic Scotland website here Update on A9 Raigmore Interchange | Improvements | Traffic Scotland

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.