Land vesting offers progress on Scotland’s A96, but uncertainty remains

However, despite this formal acquisition, no construction timeline has been confirmed, leaving affected landowners and occupiers facing continued uncertainty.

The project has loomed over local businesses and landowners since 2014. A decade of consultations, draft Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs), and a public inquiry have only recently led to final CPO approval in March 2024. Now, as land is formally vested, questions remain about how and when the project will proceed.

Farmers and landowners are particularly concerned about the immediate future. With no physical demarcation of acquired land or clear guidance, many are left asking whether they can continue farming, whether their crops will remain eligible for subsidies, and what risks they face by proceeding with business as usual. For some, planting is already underway - heightening the urgency of these unanswered questions.

While vesting opens the door for compensation, it does little to address the broader impact of long-term disruption. Bidwells’ Inverness-based team continues to support affected landowners and tenants, providing expert guidance through the compensation process and helping clients navigate this complex and uncertain period.