Farmers along the new Aberdeen bypass are at their wits’ end after disputes with Transport Scotland and the contractors, Aberdeen Roads Ltd, during construction. Issues with fencing, drainage and access to land have been magnified by a lack of communication and a slow response time from Transport Scotland.

“In my opinion, farmers are being treated with utter contempt. Little issues are being left to become big problems,” MSP Peter Chapman told Farmers Journal Scotland.

He said that some of the new fences erected have failed to keep livestock out.

“If the cattle get out on this, it’s four or five miles to the nearest junction,” tenant farmer Iain McPherson said.

“The fencing is only otter- and badger-proof.”

The new 36-mile road is expected to open this winter.

“Our biggest issue is water. A lot of our land lies towards the road,” McPherson added. “Originally they were going to put in drains but the goalposts keep changing. When you build a road right through a farm, it plays havoc with existing drainage systems.”

Discontent stems from a failure to understand how the construction affects the day-to-day running of a farm.

“In 2012, the district valuer told me that the 10 acres that they are taking off me was worth £4,500. I just laughed at her because land around here was making over £6,000/acre at the time,” Brian Dawson said, adding that the value of the severance payment is also an issue. “I haven’t had any capital gains allowances, which is having significant tax implications for my business.”

Dawson has told NFU Scotland that he is willing to go up as a test case against the Government. “We’ve been pushed beyond the acceptable boundaries and it’s time to do a test case to see how far the Government is actually allowed to go,” he said.

The construction of the road has caused significant stress to farmers with the issue of mental health being been raised with Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP.

Transport Scotland

“We take seriously our obligations to work with those affected by the construction of the new road and are working with the contractor to ensure any outstanding issues, including field access issues, fencing and drainage, can be resolved as quickly as possible,” a spokesperson for Transport Scotland said.

“Should any matters remain unresolved, TS will review the situation in an attempt to facilitate a solution.”

Any landowner who is experiencing difficulties should contact their local Community Liaison Assistant by calling the project enquiries line on 0800-058 8350 or emailing enquiries@aberdeenroads.com