However........ If you are planning to visit Pitlochry this year there is something you should be aware of when heading here, especially if using the A9 from the south. Transport Scotland will be repairing the A9 off-slip into Pitlochry.
Work is starting on Monday the 15th June 2026 - during which time access to Pitlochry will, for the duration of these works, be via the A924 junction to the north of town.
These works are essential to repair the road banking which is badly damaged, it needs fully reinforced against the Tummel in full spate, and these works are scheduled to last until Hogmanay 2026. This said, there are discussions ongoing to try to find a way to reduce the overall duration of the project.
This work is only possible when the river level is at its lowest which is why the summer months are being used; but this is also to minimise the environmental impact on the River Tummel.
Before your journey we would like to let you know the advised diversion for entering Pitlochry, this is as detailed in this map – stay on the A9 past Pitlochry and use the off-slip at the north of the town - sign-posted for Killiecrankie. This will only add a few minutes to your journey time. The southbound slip-road out of Pitlochry towards the southbound A9 remains fully operational.
With this off-slip closure, along with the A9 dualling between Jubilee Bridge and Ballinluig, it will obviously mean that journey times from the south on the A9 will take a little longer, but Pitlochry is worth that extra time. With so many walks, attractions, shops and eateries - you can easily spend a full day here, even longer if you stay overnight in one of the many guesthouses and hotels available.
Is Pitlochry still open during the A9 slip road closure?
Yes, completely. Pitlochry's shops, restaurants, attractions, hotels and guesthouses are open as normal. The closure only affects the southbound entry slip road off the A9 — the town itself is unaffected.
When does the A9 Pitlochry slip road close?
Work begins on Monday 15th June 2026 and is scheduled to run until Hogmanay (31st December) 2026, though discussions are ongoing to try to shorten the overall duration.
What is the diversion route into Pitlochry from the south?
Stay on the A9 northbound past the usual Pitlochry junction and take the next off-slip, signposted for Killiecrankie, then turn left. This brings you into Pitlochry from the north via the A924. It adds only a few minutes to your journey time.
Can I still leave Pitlochry southbound on the A9?
Yes. The southbound slip road out of Pitlochry onto the A9 remains fully operational. Only the northbound entry slip road is closed.
Why is the A9 Pitlochry slip road being closed?
The retaining wall alongside the River Tummel has been badly damaged by successive wet winters and high river levels. A temporary repair was carried out in 2023/24 but is no longer sufficient. This is a permanent structural repair and can only be carried out during summer when river levels are at their lowest, to minimise both engineering risk and environmental impact.
Will the A9 dualling works also affect my journey to Pitlochry?
Separate A9 dualling works between Jubilee Bridge and Ballinluig are also ongoing, which may add some time to journeys from the south. Factor in a little extra travel time, but neither project closes the A9 itself — traffic continues to flow throughout.
Where can I get official updates on the A9 Pitlochry closure?
Live updates are available from Traffic Scotland and BEAR Scotland, who are managing the repair works.