MSP to host drop-in session on mitigating Scrabster landslips
Measures to limit the impact of landslips at Scrabster will be the focus of a public event taking place in Thurso next week.
Maree Todd, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, is hosting the landslide mitigation information session with Transport Scotland on Friday, February 14.
There have been calls going back years for a permanent solution to the recurring problem affecting the northern extremity of the A9 on the approach to Scrabster harbour.
The latest disruption to traffic happened on December 31 when mud and stones cascaded from the steep brae adjoining the trunk road. Previous landslips had occurred in 2017 and 2023.
Next week’s drop-in event will take place from 2pm to 4pm at the Pentland Hotel in Thurso.
Ms Todd said: “I understand the ongoing concerns about landslips near Scrabster and the impact they have on the local community.
“I have raised this issue with the Scottish Government’s cabinet secretary for transport, Fiona Hyslop, who has confirmed that investigative work on landslide mitigation is scheduled for this financial year.
“This is an important step in assessing the risks and identifying solutions to protect the area.
“To provide reassurance and share more details on these plans, I will be hosting a drop-in information session alongside representatives from Transport Scotland.
“This will be an opportunity for constituents to learn more about the proposed work, ask questions and share their concerns directly with those involved in the process.
“I encourage anyone with an interest in this issue to come along.”
Highland councillor Matthew Reiss, who represents the Thurso and Northwest Caithness ward, has been calling for Ms Todd to take action on the issue.
Councillor Reiss welcomed the information session, saying: “It is encouraging that, finally, there may be recognition of the urgency of these works. I am pleased that our MSP is involved.
“As ever, it is the extent of the proposals that merit examination as the previous repair works have proved inadequate. Only last week a further small landslip at the same location was reported to me – this has been cleared away.
“Overall this is a small but positive step.”
Speaking at a meeting of Thurso Community Council last month, Councillor Reiss put forward the idea of an avalanche shelter to prevent further blockages.
He described past measures to deal with landslides as largely “sticking-plaster” fixes.
Councillor Reiss said at the time: “They would focus on one bit but there were other bits that were unstable and we have seen what has happened.
“It is not just Caithness that is affected by these events as much of Orkney’s trade relies on this route being open. If the road was washed away, that trade would be lost and they would have to re-route everything via Aberdeen.”