The Scottish Ministers give notice that they have determined that the project to undertake resurfacing works on the A7 to the south of Canobie, Dumfries and Galloway 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) landscapes and sites of historical, cultural or archaeological significance,

(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 Likely Significant Effects on the Langholm – Newcastleton Hills Special Protection Area, the Solway Firth Special Protection Area, and the Upper Solway Flats and Marshes Ramsar,

(c) the information set out in the Record of Determination dated 9 July 2025, 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 Assessment under the 1994 Regulations concluded that there would be no Likely Significant Effects on the Langholm – Newcastleton Hills Special Protection Area, the Solway Firth Special Protection Area, and the Upper Solway Flats and Marshes Ramsar;

(b) There will be no impacts on the Langholm – Newcastleton Hills Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the Upper Solway Flats and Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest;

(c) There will be no impacts on the Canobie Conservation Area; and

(d) 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 Waaser

A member of the staff of the Scottish Ministers

Transport Scotland Roads 177 Bothwell Street, 5th Floor Glasgow G2 7ER