A STORM of compensation claims from farmers and landowners is expected as the next phase of widening the vital A9 road to the Highlands gets underway.

Owners of homes, farms and businesses alongside what will be one of the biggest infrastructure schemes in Scottish history are being urged to act promptly in seeking compensation for disruption arising from the work.

Scottish Ministers have given the go-ahead to completing statutory procedures for two more sections on the ongoing project to convert the A9 from Perth to Inverness into a dual carriageway. The ‘Made Orders’ for Projects 7 and 8, Glen Garry to Dalwhinnie and Dalwhinnie to Crubenmore, have been published, totalling over 12.5 miles.

The move opens the way for property and business owners affected, including those adjoining Projects 7 and 8 of the A9 from Dalnaspidal heading north to Crubenmore, to start preparing claims for compensation for losses caused as a result of the scheme. Property owners who have no land appropriated can still claim compensation if they are affected by the physical aspects of the scheme, such as noise, vibration, smell or artificial lighting.

Ministers can acquire the land two months after publication of the Notice, but in reality it is likely to be around 12 months before this occurs, and a longer period before work commences. However, it makes sense to consider the potential eligibility of any claim now, according to Mike Reid, partner and head of energy at the property consultancy Galbraith.

Mr Reid explained: “Owners with land taken by the proposed scheme may make an advance claim for compensation once their property has been acquired by the Scottish Ministers. Claims made are assessed at 90% of the potential loss resulting from the scheme, with a balancing payment made based on the actual loss once the scheme has completed.

“As these sections of the new dual carriageway could take up to three years to complete, it is well worth submitting an advance claim for compensation to recover at least some of the costs and losses caused by the scheme.”

Mr Reid and his colleagues are acting on behalf of the owners of the majority of the land affected by Projects 7 and 8 so have a detailed knowledge of the implications of these projects on the adjacent properties. “People will of course want to ensure they’re adequately compensated for any loss and we have assisted many owners and occupiers along the A9 with claims,” he said.

In one of the biggest transport infrastructure projects in Scotland’s history, the Highland road is being upgraded to link Inverness with the Central Belt and open up areas along the route for development. Property owners and occupiers are legally obliged to mitigate any losses.

The A9 programme upgrades 80 miles of road from single to dual carriageways to boost growth through improved safety and quicker journey times, as well as better links to pedestrian, cycling and public transport facilities. Inverness is currently the only UK city without access to dual carriageway.