A new road safety campaign focuses on a high-risk deer collision spot along a 500-metre stretch of the A9, just north of the Navidale roundabout near Helmsdale.
NatureScot, partnering with Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland, has set up mobile electronic signs to warn drivers of deer crossings along this stretch, urging them to slow down and stay alert to wildlife on the move.
The initiative will run from November 1 to November 22, right in the heart of autumn when red deer migrate from higher moorlands to richer grazing grounds at lower altitudes—a critical period when deer collisions often spike.
Unique to this year’s campaign is an added measure of tracking driver speed to see how well these signs influence behaviour, helping to gauge the campaign’s impact more effectively.
While Navidale is the only Highland location among Scotland’s top 10 deer collision sites, the Central Belt holds the other hotspots, primarily affected by young roe deer dispersing each spring.
At Navidale, however, it’s the majestic red deer—especially stags—that pose the greatest risk as they move in search of better pasture after the rigours of the autumn rut.
A study by NatureScot shows that the Navidale area has seen ten recorded deer-vehicle collisions in recent years, underscoring the need for preventative action.
NatureScot’s Deer Policy Officer, Dominic Sargent, explained that the organisation is actively seeking ways to mitigate deer-vehicle collisions, prioritising safety for both drivers and wildlife.
“These signs are a clear reminder for drivers to stay ‘deer aware’ along this high-risk stretch,” Sargent commented, adding that simply slowing down and staying vigilant can significantly reduce collision risk.
As the campaign continues, the addition of speed monitoring will help assess how driver habits change, giving NatureScot crucial insights into the effectiveness of these measures over time.
Transport Scotland’s Landscape and Biodiversity Manager, Angus Corby, emphasised the collaboration’s broader goal of managing wildlife along Scotland’s strategic transport routes.
Corby noted that Navidale’s efforts highlight the organisation’s commitment to reducing deer collisions, benefiting road users and safeguarding Scotland’s iconic wildlife.
With mobile signs flashing a timely warning to drivers, this campaign aims to protect both people and deer on one of the Highland’s most scenic yet precarious roads this autumn.
