Bus gate project delayed to enable ecological data to be gathered

A proposed new bus gate linking Raigmore Hospital with Churchill Road in Inverness, which requires the felling of a number of mature trees, is being delayed while further ecological studies are carried out 

Following an award from the Bus Priority Rapid Deployment Fund to deliver rapid bus links, including from Raigmore Hospital to Churchill Road, Officers from NHS Highland, Stagecoach Highland and the Council have worked to identify a viable route to link communities by bus and make public transport more efficient across the network.

Recent advice from Nature Scotland on the Raigmore project requires that further ecological data is collected before trees can be felled to make way for the route.

This advice results in a necessary delay to the project meaning its completion will not be eligible for funding through the Bus Priority Rapid Deployment Fund as the survey period extends beyond the date that the funding can be claimed.

The Raigmore bus gate remains a long-held aspiration of the various parties involved in the project and is a requirement upon NHS Highland who must deliver it before it can occupy the Elective Care Centre currently under construction at Inverness Campus.

The partners are now working to secure funding to progress the route through alternative sources. Work to deliver a link between Farraline Park and Rose Street is progressing as planned, contractors have commenced work on the route.