A heartbreaking crash on Scotland’s A9 road claimed the lives of an American woman, her brother, and their mother during a dream vacation in 2022, leaving a husband and three daughters to cope with profound loss. As fatal accidents continue to plague this notorious stretch, families demand urgent safety upgrades amid delays in road improvements.
Family’s Dream Trip Turns to Nightmare
Chris Strong from Chicago shared the devastating story of his wife Katie Bastion-Strong, who died alongside her brother and mother in a 2022 collision on the A9. The group was exploring Highland sites from their favorite TV show, Outlander, when tragedy struck.
Katie, described by Chris as the family’s “glue,” was a hardworking and ambitious person who always cared for others. He keeps her memory alive for their three daughters through photos and stories, saying she remains a presence in their home.
The crash happened on a single-carriageway section, where drivers often speed to overtake slower vehicles. This incident highlights how quickly joy can turn to sorrow on this unpredictable road.
Chris spoke openly about the emotional toll, noting how the loss shattered their world. Such personal accounts remind us of the human cost behind accident statistics.
A9 Road’s Grim Fatality Record
The A9, Scotland’s longest trunk road at 273 miles, has seen 48 deaths on its 113-mile Inverness to Perth stretch over the last decade. Single-carriageway parts are especially dangerous, with drivers risking head-on collisions at junctions.
Recent data shows a worrying trend. In 2024, several fatal crashes occurred, and 2025 has already added to the toll with incidents like a single-vehicle accident near Invergordon that killed a 29-year-old woman.
Safety experts point to excessive speeding and overtaking as key factors. The road’s mix of dual and single lanes creates frustration, leading to reckless behavior.
| Year | Fatalities on A9 (Inverness-Perth Stretch) | Key Incidents |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 4 | Multiple head-on collisions |
| 2021 | 5 | Overtaking-related crashes |
| 2022 | 6 | Including the Bastion-Strong family tragedy |
| 2023 | 5 | Motorcyclist fatalities rose |
| 2024 | 7 | Increased single-vehicle wrecks |
| 2025 (so far) | 3 | Recent Invergordon and Latheron incidents |
This table illustrates the persistent danger, with no clear decline despite awareness campaigns.
Communities along the route live in fear, knowing each trip could be their last. The road’s history demands attention to prevent more needless deaths.
Ongoing Safety Issues and Delays
Dualling the A9 was promised to finish by 2025, but delays pushed it to 2035. Single-lane sections have three times more fatalities than dualled ones, according to transport reports.
Critics blame government inaction, with broken promises dating back to 2011. Factors like funding shortages and external events have stalled progress, frustrating locals.
Drivers face challenges such as right-turn junctions across oncoming traffic. These design flaws contribute to the high crash rate.
Public sentiment on social media reflects anger, with many calling the A9 Scotland’s “killer road.” Petitions and campaigns push for faster upgrades.
Without swift changes, experts warn fatalities will continue. Improved signage and speed cameras offer short-term fixes, but full dualling is seen as essential.
Recent Crashes Spark Fresh Outrage
In July 2025, a 29-year-old woman died in a single-vehicle crash near Invergordon, closing the road for hours as police investigated. This followed a motorcyclist left fighting for life after a collision near Latheron in August 2025, where a woman was arrested.
Another incident involved a vehicle fleeing the scene before police arrived, raising concerns about hit-and-run risks. These events mirror patterns seen in prior years.
- A boy, 4, and girl, 8, hospitalized after a Highlands crash in July 2025, with their driver airlifted for treatment.
- Ongoing appeals for witnesses in multiple 2025 collisions, highlighting the need for better road monitoring.
- Community reports of speeding HGVs adding to dangers on undualled stretches.
Such accidents fuel demands for immediate action. Families affected by these crashes share stories to raise awareness, hoping to save lives.
Emergency services respond quickly, but prevention remains key. These recent cases underscore the urgency for comprehensive safety measures.
Calls for Action and Future Hopes
Highland communities and politicians urge faster dualling to reduce risks. Successful dualled sections show fewer deaths, proving the approach works.
Transport officials acknowledge the issues, promising reviews and investments. Yet, timelines slip, leaving drivers vulnerable.
Logical steps include stricter enforcement and education on safe driving. Combining these with infrastructure changes could lower fatalities.
As Scotland’s roads rank among the UK’s safest overall, the A9 stands out as an exception needing targeted fixes.
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