The Scottish Ministers give notice that they have determined that the project to undertake resurfacing works on the A68 from Ravenswood to the River Tweed, to the east of Newstead, Scottish Borders is a relevant project within the meaning of section 55A of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (“the 1984 Act”) as the works fall within Annex II of Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of certain public and private projects on the environment, but that having regard to –

(a) the selection criteria contained in Annex III of that Directive, namely

(i) the use of natural resources, in particular land, soil, water and biodiversity;

(ii) the production of waste;

(iii) pollution and nuisances;

(iv) the risks to human health (for example due to water contamination or air pollution);

(v) areas classified or protected under national legislation; Natura 2000 areas designated by Member States pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC and Directive 2009/147/E (vi) nature reserves and parks,

(b) the results of the Environmental Screening Assessment under section 55A(2) of the 1984 Act and the Assessment under regulation 48 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (“the 1994 Regulations”) concluded that there would be no adverse effects on site integrity on the River Tweed Special Area of Conservation,

(c) the information set out in the Record of Determination dated 23 October 2024, available at https://www.transport.gov.scot/transport-network/roads/road-orders-and-records-of-determination/#63527, the project does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment.

The main reasons for the conclusion that no Environmental Impact Assessment is required are:

(a) The works will not impact the Eildon and Leaderfoot National Scenic Area, the Tweedwood – Gateheugh Site of Special Scientific Interest, the River Tweed Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the Leaderfoot to above Redpath, Leader Water Local Nature Conservation Site;

(b) The Assessment under the 1994 Regulations concluded that there would be no adverse effects on site integrity on the River Tweed Special Area of Conservation; and

(c) Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, short-term, non-significant, and limited to the construction phase.

The features of the project which are envisaged to avoid or prevent significant adverse effects on the environment are:

(a) Mitigation measures and best practice will be implemented to ensure no short-term or long-term significant negative impacts on the environment;

(b) Containment measures of the working area will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment; and

(c) Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.

T. Wasser

Transport Scotland Roads George House 2nd Floor 36 North Hanover Street Glasgow G1 2AD