Scottish Trunk Road Network

The trunk road network connecting Scotland’s cities, towns, airports and ports is overseen by Transport Scotland.

BEAR Scotland have managed and maintained the Trunk Road network in the North East Unit since 2001. With a total length of 594 km, the North East Unit extends from Halbeath in Fife up to Fraserburgh and across to Inverness.  In 2013, BEAR Scotland was appointed as the Operating Company responsible for managing and maintaining the trunk road network in the North West Unit. With a total length of 1,422 km the North West Unit extends from Scrabster on the north coast, to Campbeltown in the south.

Transport Scotland as an Executive Agency help the Scottish Government meet the objectives they set for a more sustainable future. This includes encouraging the Trunk Road Operating companies to make sure they work as closely as possible with the communities they serve, maximising community benefits, and encouraging innovation. This environment is fostered through the requirements set out in the 4th Generation contract but also and perhaps more importantly through active partnership between the wider team, client and contractor. Through this close working relationship, BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland are able to deliver the service that the communities of the north of Scotland expect. This partnership helps to deliver better value for money and supports the trunk road networks ability to adapt to future challenges.

This 4th Generation term contract has been built on good practice across the industry and has evolved and been refined during the previous generations of the contract. Currently in the 4th generation Operating Companies were encouraged to undertake a CEEQUAL Term Contract Assessment and in 2016 BEAR Scotland committed to commence the CEEQUAL process, pursuing a Whole Team Award in conjunction with Transport Scotland.

North East Unit Case study: 4th generation term contract for the management and maintenance of the Scottish Trunk Road Network North East unit

North West Unit: 4th generation term contract for the management and maintenance of the Scottish Trunk Road Network North West unit