A councillor has warned there is potential for a serious accident at a twisting section of the north’s main road after motorists encountered livestock there for the second time in two days.
Police said that yesterday morning drivers on the A9 Inverness-Thurso road at Cambusavie bends, between Dornoch and the mound, reported a flock of sheep on the road.
And on Wednesday a cow was hit by a van and killed when a herd got onto the road in the same area. The male driver of the Mercedes van was unhurt.
Yesterday a police spokeswoman said: “We received a report at about 8.20am on Thursday morning. We contacted a farmer to attend and move the animals from the carriageway.
“Farmers have got a duty to keep animals secure and prevent a possible hazard. If they repeatedly ignored advice for fence repairs then it would become a problem.”
Yesterday East Sutherland and Edderton councillor Jim McGillivray said: “It’s very regrettable this has happened twice in two days in the same place.
“There is the potential for a serious accident out there somewhere for what is a main artery road.
“It’s a reminder to all of all concerned that it’s a main artery route to the north and a very busy road and a for livestock to be kept securely where it should be.”
Both instances drew a barrage of comments on social media highlighting the need for local farmers to ensure livestock is kept in a secure field – but others said it was difficult to always make sure animals did not escape.
Cambusavie Estate landowner Ken Greenland was unavailable for comment yesterday.
The Cambusavie bends are known to be a notorious stretch of road.
Perhaps the most serious accident was in 2005, when Rogart woman Alison Murray died after the Renault van she was driving left the road.
And in 2006 a cattle truck overturned and led to the death of 29 of the 49 cows on board.
In 2008 a lorry driver was also airlifted to hospital after his vehicle overturned and shed its load, closing the road for 12 hours.
More recently, in 2015, a motoryclist was airlifted to hospital and treated for serious injuries, resulting in the road being closed for several hours.
