Perth and Kinross Council has agreed to suspend bus and coach parking charges in Pitlochry for the remainder of 2026, responding to the severe disruption caused by the closure of the A9 northbound off-slip into the town. The decision, made at the Finance and Resources Committee meeting on June 24, aims to support local businesses that have suffered due to the diversion.
Closure Details and Impact
The A9 northbound off-slip to Pitlochry is closed until December 31, 2026, while BEAR Scotland carries out repairs on the Tummel retaining wall and embankment. The work, commissioned by Transport Scotland, involves installing large circular steel piles to form a new retaining wall and prevent riverbank erosion. A diversion route adds approximately two miles or five minutes to northbound journeys, though the southbound on-slip remains fully operational.
Highland Perthshire ward councillors Xander McDade and John Duff proposed the suspension of parking charges. Councillor John Duff warned that there was a "real risk coach parties will simply bypass Pitlochry" to avoid the extra travel time. Provost Xander McDade noted that the diversion was "putting businesses at risk" and that local businesses had reported a "visible reduction in takings" during earlier daytime closures.
Financial and Community Considerations
The suspension of parking charges is expected to cost the council around £30,000 in lost revenue. Provost McDade described this as "a very small measure to try and support these [local] businesses." Concerns were also raised about the impact on the annual Enchanted Forest event, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Barrett called for council leader Eric Drysdale to write to the cabinet secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn, and First Minister John Swinney, seeking an urgent meeting with BEAR Scotland to secure mitigation measures. Councillor Drysdale agreed to write the letter, and the committee unanimously approved waiving the charges for the duration of the works.
BEAR Scotland's Statement
Richard Cook, BEAR Scotland’s Bridges Manager, stated: "This retaining wall project is key to ensuring the structural integrity and resilience of this slip road and extending its service life for years to come and safeguarding against riverbank erosion during future extreme weather events." He added that the works must be completed before winter to minimise environmental impact, and that summertime working is essential despite expected delays during peak times.
