I understand thata new linkspan was constructed to keep open the possibility of a vehicle serviceoperating from Dunoon Pier. The original linkspan is designed for side-loading whichsignificantly restricts the range of vehicle carrying vessels that can use the pier.In addition, it is an old structure which has a finite remaining life.

I understand thatthe new linkspan is not at present used for vehicle traffic.

There have been regulardiscussions over a long period of time between the Scottish Executive, TransportScotland and a wide range of stakeholders regardingGourock Transport Interchange. Caledonian MacBrayne has been consulted on the projectas the work has progressed. Western Ferries has no direct interest in the developmentsite. There have been no direct discussions with Western Ferries on the need forthe Gourock Transport Interchange.

Our immediate housingpriorities were set out in the Parliamentary debate on housing on 21 June 2007. It is clear that Scotland needs many more homes of theright type, built in the right places as well as housing solutions which work, whichrespond to communities needs and which improve the value that we get for publicexpenditure on housing. The Housing Supply Task Force, our commitment to createthe Scottish Housing Support Fund and the forthcoming consultation on Social Housingare all part of the early action the Government is taking in response to these priorities.

Dunoon Pier is ownedby Argyll and Bute Council and the council was responsible for the improvement worksat the pier. The Scottish Executive’s role was as a funder. There were two awardsof Scottish Executive funding in relation to the project. The first, involving £2.5million from the then Public Transport Fund, was announced in October 2001 and wasfor a breakwater. The second, involving £2 million from the Integrated TransportFund, was announced in August 2003 and was for a new linkspan.

The new administrationdoes not have access to papers relating to the decision making processes employedby its predecessor. However, it is a matter of public record that the decision onfunding for the breakwater was announced on 22 October 2001 by the then Ministerfor Transport, Sarah Boyack MSP, and that the decision on funding for the linkspanwas announced on 27 August 2003 by the then Minister for Transport, Nicol StephenMSP.

A working group reportin 2006 recommended that a budget of up to £20.5 million would be required to deliverthe transport interchange at Gourock. The cost estimate is expected to be reducedduring design development but as the further design and feasibility work has notbeen concluded, the estimate of up to £20.5 million continues to be used.

A robust cost estimatewill be provided by the end of 2007, which will inform an investment decision onimplementation. The target is to deliver a new interchange in 2009.

While CalMac Ferriesis the sole operator on a number of west of Scotland ferry routes, that reflects historical developments over many years. the Scottish Executive is not in a position to impose monopoly arrangements on any route,as any operator is free to offer services where it chooses, provided that appropriateregulations on matters such as safety are obeyed.

Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council will contribute 9.5% each to the costof the construction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Thecost of constructing the Fastlink to Stonehaven and the maintenance of the entirescheme will be met by the Scottish Government.

The contributionsof Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils to the cost of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route were agreed in 2003 when it was agreed thatthe scheme would be taken forward in partnership. The percentage contributions wereattributed to the local and strategic elements of the road.

Responsibility forthe Dunoon Pier development rests with Argyll and Bute Council. I understand thatthere were full discussions between the council, the appointed consultant and thetwo principal ferry operators regarding the need for the new linkspan at DunoonPier. The linkspan was designed to accommodate a range of possible vessels, includingthose operated by both Caledonian MacBrayne and Western Ferries. Once the linkspanwas built both companies undertook successful berthing trials of their vessels.