 afternoon everyone. its our first item of business. this afternoon is portfolio questions and in order to get as many people in as possible. and be grateful for for short answer saint questions and answers. I thank the member for explaining question, as the Scottish Government believes wholeheartedly that the EU membership is in the best interests of Scotland a'r rhaglen nhw i gyntaf eu hunain i gafodd iawn cyfnod i gyd ond y byddio i'r cwybrwn yn y modelg wedi'i hoffahlun yngh souvent, ac yn awr, ar gyfer Alun ddatancol Un i'w maslwilion uwch yn y gwneud ar gyfer altru 11336,000 ynghylch ar gyfer ddweud i ddechrau eu hunain yw hwnnw i ddweud i ddweud i unrhyw yn ei hunain yng nghydfyniadau 1.9 billion euro a projects right the way up and down Scotland, but it's not just about the economy. We'll also be making the positive case on the social protections, the cultural associations that we have with the European Union and the mutual support in taking on some of the global challenges that the continent faces. Thank you, George Adam. Does the minister agree with me that it would be extremely unjust for Scotland to be dragged out of the EU if a majority of Scots vote to stay in the EU? Is this not just another further example of how out of touch Westminster currently is? I agree with the member. Again, wholeheartedly, I think that it would be democratically indefensible if Scotland was dragged out of the European Union against it. We were told during the run-up to the Scottish independence referendum that a no vote would mean that our place would not be at risk at all in the European Union. I think that that has been proven to be untrue, but it would be democratically indefensible. The First Minister has been very clear that if that is how it did play out, it could precipitate a demand for a second independence referendum. Despite that, the First Minister has made it extremely clear that she will be campaigning vociferously, robustly in Scotland for Scotland to remain within the European Union and hopes that the rest of the UK will follow suit. Thank you. It is no secret that the Scottish Government is having trouble delivering the cap subsidies to farmers in Scotland. What budget would those subsidies come from if we were no longer part of the EU? That is a fair point to make. I have suggested this to those who believe in European Union exit and Brexit. In terms of the cap farmers, he will be pleased to announce that it has been made while the Scottish Government is stepping up to the mark to put £200 million in place in terms of advanced payments. In regard to cap, for those who believe in Brexit and the UK exit from the EU, I would struggle to believe that the UK would match the subsidy, match the support that the European Union gives to farmers. I think that he makes the point very well, for farmers it is important. That is why we have farmers saying up and down the country that they believe in the majority of them that European Union membership is best for the United Kingdom. To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of the film and television industry to discuss the building of a film studio. The film studio delivery group comprising of Scottish Government Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise meet regularly to drive action on delivering a film studio for Scotland. That includes meetings with Ward Park Studios Ltd, which today announced plans to expand their existing facilities in Cumbernauld to provide an additional 30,000 sqft across two new 50-foot-high sound studios. Scottish Enterprise and Creative Scotland on behalf of the FSDG also meet regularly with representatives from the screen industry to discuss potential proposals to develop screen facilities. It is worth noting that Creative Scotland is a lead agency for screen, has established the Screen Sector Leadership Group, which met in December 2015 and January 2016, chaired by John McCormack. The Screen Sector Leadership Group is made up of industry representatives and will meet again in March 2016. The cabinet secretary for her response, and those plans for a film studio in Cumbernauld are of course welcome, but today's announcement is only the intention to seek planning permission to extend an existing facility. There is still no major film studio in Scotland which can compete with Wales and Northern Ireland, with the filmmaker saying that this has a catastrophic effect on the industry in Scotland. The Scottish Government has already delayed a decision on the proposals for a private facility in Midlothian until after the election, despite support from local councillors in the TV and film industry. Given that the Scottish Government has stated many times the critical importance of this industry, the Scottish economy, including the white paper, will she assure us that the Scottish Government can this time turn aspiration into reality and not simply delay these important decisions any further? All those developments, and indeed the developments in other parts of the UK, are private sector-developed led. It is not in the capabilities of ministers to pre-announce announcements or drive actions by the private sector. They are in control of their own provisions in that regard, for both the cases that they refer to. I would emphasise that the Peltland studio's proposal is currently with Scottish ministers, and his understanding of planning will mean that I cannot make any comment about that particular development. Indeed, the reason that it is with ministers is that my request by Peltland studios for a recall appeal by the Scottish ministers is what is currently under way. What I can say to you is that we continue, despite the very welcome announcement, a major milestone in development of film studio in Scotland. We still are looking at different proposals and different means to expand the studio opportunities for Scotland. I can tell you now that, as of now, there are four productions currently filming in studios in Scotland. We need to make sure that we have permanent facilities, not just temporary. It is a day that we can welcome the development, a major milestone, in film studio development in Scotland. Thank you. Short questions and answers to the order of the day, please. Supplementary from David Stewart. Thank you, Presiding Officer. The cabinet secretary will be aware that The Hounds and Islands has had a proud track record of being a prime location for films such as Harry Potter, Rob Roy and Monica of the Glen. The cabinet secretary will be well aware that Sky has a first-class facility, a first-class built film studio in Salmore. What more can be done to advertise this first-class facility? Surely Scotland is large enough to provide two film studios? In my evidence to the committee this morning, I made it quite clear that Scotland has the opportunity to realise the potential of film production to have certainly a number of studios. Indeed, I have visited Salmore-Ostig and, obviously, it has been used on a regular basis for Bannon, but also for Katie Morag and other productions. However, I think that it is very important that people are aware of the provision, the existing film studio provision at Salmore-Ostig. I will undertake to make sure that we can do everything with our agencies that we can to help to publicise it to make the most of that facility on the isle of scale. To ask the Scottish Government how traditional instrument tuition fits in with its strategy for the Scottish traditional arts. The Scottish Government primarily supports traditional music and the traditional arts through Creative Scotland, who integrate traditional arts into the broader art strategy. The music initiative by £10 million of Scottish Government investment managed by Creative Scotland provides a wide range of music making opportunities, including traditional instrument tuition, and reached over 225,000 young people in 1415. Last week at the platform in Glasgow, I announced the final tranche of 1516 YMA funding, being awarded to 32 organisations, including £100,000 to the National Piping Centre, over £39,000 to Hands Up for Trad to run a traditional music summer school in South Lanarkshire, and £10,000 to Shape Shifter to deliver a musical and cultural exchange between young people in the Shetland Islands, North East England and East London. Excellent, Rob Gibson. I thank the minister for that detailed answer. While the youth music initiative offers traditional instrument tuition in some places, the delivery is patchy, as is the music tuition delivered by schools. Will the cabinet secretary review the spread of traditional musical instrument tuition, with a view to offering students in Scottish schools a chance to play and understand their own indigenous musical riches? Much of the YMA is delivered in schools, and we are looking to refresh YMA. I will make sure that the refresh acknowledges the point that is made by the member that we need to integrate with existing school provision and enhance existing school provision, but not replace school provision in the traditional arts. Question 4, Jamie McGregor. To ask the Scottish Government how it supports the historic houses and built heritage sector. The Scottish Government supports our historic environment in many ways, including historic houses and the wider built heritage. Historic Environment Scotland is charged with investigating, caring for and promoting Scotland's historic environment. We have launched our first-ever heritage strategy, our place in time. The vast majority of built heritage is in private hands, and the Scottish Government expects Historic Environment Scotland to work with its partners and communities to develop a common vision and priorities set out in the strategy. We recognise that that heritage continues to make a strong and growing contribution to the wellbeing of the nation and its people. To that end, I am very pleased that Lord Hopton, chair of the Historic Houses Association Scotland, sits on one of the strategy's key working groups looking at heritage tourism. I also look forward to attending the association's reception, hosted by the member here this evening. Thank you, Jamie McGregor. I am very glad that the minister mentioned that, and all members and staff are very welcome to come to that event in committee room 1. What extra support can the Scottish Government provide to historic houses in need of urgent repairs? Will she urge ministerial colleagues and others to redouble their efforts to promote heritage tourism in particular? Heritage tourism is vitally important, and I recognise that absolutely. In terms of investment, one of the things that we are looking at is how do we make sure that we take a long-term view in terms of major investment that is required, not just in the private sector, which is the biggest sector, but also with NTS and, indeed, Historic Environment Scotland properties. Despite real pressures on our budget, I have managed to ensure that we maintain the grant schemes that are available, building repair grants and other grants that are available. It is a challenge, but we need to see things in the round, and that includes looking at things from a tourism point of view, but we need to make sure that the products are there so that people can come and visit whether that is historic houses in the private sector, or those that are managed on behalf of ministers. To ask the Scottish Government what it considers the benefits to Scotland are of the UK's membership of the EU. I think that there are many benefits of Scotland and the UK being in the European Union. I will not rehearse some of the economic arguments that are well made. I think that sometimes we can lose fact of the case. It is also a lot of protections and social protections in particular that benefit us here in Scotland from the right to maternity pay, not the right not to be forced to work more than 40 hours a week as well as not to be discriminated against in terms of your gender, your race or any other factor either, so those benefits are also very important. And so, too, the benefits where independent countries can come together to take on some of the most difficult global challenges that we face as a continent, that can be from climate change right the way through to the global refugee crisis as well. So many many benefits, economic, social and as I say, coming collectively together to tackle some of the world's most difficult challenges. Thanks Richard Lyle. Can I thank the minister for his answer? Last Sunday I watched Boris Johnson, MP Mayor of London on the television debating why the UK should leave the EU. His comments during that show reinforced my belief in voting to stay in the EU. In light of the comments that Brexit is making, what would the Scottish Government's position be and what action would it possibly take in regard to the EU vote if England votes to leave the European Union? I do not focus much on what Boris Johnson has to say, but what I have heard thus far from the leave campaign has been very negative. We have seen some of that also from some elements of the remain campaign and the Scottish Government will be looking to make a very positive case about why not just Scotland but the rest of the United Kingdom should also vote to stay within the European Union. There are a number of constitutional hypotheticals that have been asked of us and we have commented on what would happen if Scotland stayed within the European Union. As polls tend to indicate that we will not be complacent about that, we will work hard to ensure that that is the case. However, if the rest of the UK voted to leave, I have said that it would be democratically indefensible on the First Minister's right to say that that might well precipitate demand for a second and Scottish independence referendum. To ask the Scottish Government what value it places on the culture and traditions of the north-east of Scotland. The Scottish Government places great importance on the traditional culture, language and heritage of the north-east of Scotland. It supports Creative Scotland, Events Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland to promote its rich local culture and traditions in different ways. In 1415, Creative Scotland invested over £2.4 million in organisations and individuals based in the north-east of Scotland. Under Time to Shine, £400,000 has supported the youth arts collective of the north-east hub in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, giving opportunities for a thousand opportunities for young people to progress excel in the arts. Last year, Creative Scotland published its first Scottish language policy, underlining the organisation's commitment in supporting the language through its own work and the work that it funds across arts, screen and creative industries. Fuhr ministers gang te ge hon te doric. It is very important that we provide support for our languages. Most of that is done through the language minister, Alasdair Allan. I would direct the member's attention to himself. In terms of culture, I would also refer the member to the Creative Scotland website. Just yesterday, they put a piece on about netting by Mourna Young, a play currently touring. It is funded by Creative Scotland. She talks in the interview about writing in Doric about netting and loss at sea. That is an important part of our promotion using Creative Scotland's resource. She is also a Scottish language ambassador. That is one thing, as of now, that we are doing to give a hon up to Doric. To ask the Scottish cabinet secretary whether the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs will be attending any events in the iRite festival in Glasgow. The iRite festival in Glasgow, which is Scotland's second largest book festival, is taking place for the 11th year running. I am sure that successes over these years will be continued. Although I have no plans at present to visit the festival, it is welcoming leaders from all parties in the Parliament at separate events in the series entitled The Books That Made Me, including the First Minister, who is due to close the event on Sunday 20 March. Thank you very much for that response. Glasgow City Council is very proud to hold the iRite book festival, as the Cabinet Secretary says for the past 11 years. It has been observed that the festival has a low participation of people from ethnic minority communities as both participants and contributors. Even though I know personally of several glass visions of diverse backgrounds who have published books in the last years, and I'll just mention some of the writers in Glasgow who I'm proud to know. Ahmed Raza, Aman, Bashirman, Charangill, Farah Malik, Amtazali Gore, Arshad Ahmad, Philomina Malik, my own mother, Rahad Zahid and Nar. There are just 10 writers that I know of of Glasgow who have written books, yet they have not had an opportunity to participate. What is the Scottish Government going to do to increase participation in literary and cultural events in Scotland for those talented people? I think that the member makes a valid point. I'm not sure about plugging his mother's book, how appropriate that is in the Parliament. However, what I would say is that Creative Scotland has supported—I'm sure that it's a wonderful book. The Creative Scotland has funded iRite for £105,000, but one of the things that they are doing—and I've asked them to do—is to look at their equalities issues to make sure that the people they fund, the organisations they fund, take on equalities issues. Since iRite is one of those receiving Creative Scotland funds, that's one way of doing that. I don't often agree with the leader of the Labour Party in Scotland, Kezia Dugdale, but her choice of 1,000 splendid sons as one of her favourite books in the interview, as recalled by Phil Miller, is one of mine as well. That's something perhaps we can share across the benches. To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Creative Scotland and what matters were discussed. Last but not least, with officials from Creative Scotland at the Exchange 2016 event on 4 March at the platform in Easterhouse, which was presented by Music for Youth. I announced £10 million to boost youth music. The event featured performances by young musicians. It's a great opportunity to network and hear about the music industry. The YMI itself, of course, provides high-quality music-making opportunities. Why am I, as the Minister for Creative Scotland, has been a great success? Can she tell us what further evaluation the Scottish Government is undertaking to ensure that Creative Scotland meets its objectives and priorities as set out in their film strategy? What progress has been made to incentivise film and TV production so that we can not only nurture home-grown talent but encourage people from across the world to come and live and work in Scotland? I set some of that out in the committee this morning. On top of the record level of investment of £24 million in the screen industry in Scotland in 2014-15, in addition to that, we have provided additional funding of £4.7 million. Some of that £1 million is for skills development in production. Some of that is for production development and two films in particular in discussions with Creative Scotland just now. On skills, production and development, progress is being made. I was allowed to go into some detail on that in the committee this morning. To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to support culture in the Highlands and Islands. The Highlands use arts hub received £400,000 to support over 2,700 young people. In 2015-16, Creative Scotland is funding and supporting 69 projects across the Highlands and Islands, a number of examples, but I am sure that we are brief for time. The cabinet secretary will be aware that following financial problems, in-court Theatron de Mines has cancelled its SvQ qualification in drama. It has star graduate been Karen Gillan, the star of Dr Who and Guardians of the Galaxy. Can the cabinet secretary provide any help, advice or guidance to reinstate this well-respected course? Clearly, in terms of Scottish Government or Agency funding, Creative Scotland provides regular funding in the level of £2.1 million over that period. I am very well aware of the very good work that Theatron court carries out, including in skills and training, the wider development. They are very successful in raising funds from a variety of different sources, both private and indeed in revenue terms. In terms of skills and training, we can perhaps look at different areas across Government in terms of whether it is in terms of skills development in Scotland or other areas to make sure that provision for drama or indeed other areas can support the very good work that Theatron court does. Many thanks. We now move to portfolio questions on infrastructure, investment and cities. Question 1, Kevin Stewart. To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on the construction of the Aberdeen western peripheral route. Construction of the AWPR is well underway and we are on programme to open the road in winter 2017. We are also working closely with the contractor to ensure the successful delivery of the project. I will continue with the regular engagement with local communities and with elected representatives. I thank the cabinet secretary for his answer. The progress is welcomed by the people of the north-east who have been waiting for the bypass since 1948 when it was first planned. Can the cabinet secretary assure me that work to further improve Aberdeen's road structure by dealing with the notorious Hadigan roundabout will commence directly after the completion of the western peripheral route? I thank Kevin Stewart for his question and his comments. It is quite right to say that there has been a very long wait for this and I am very proud that it is the Scottish Government that is delivering on this long-awaited project, albeit that initially it was a local roads project and we have taken on the responsibility working with our partners in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils. In relation to his question about the Hadigan roundabout, the Scottish Government has given a clear commitment to commencing improvements at the Hadigan roundabout following completion of the AWPR. I am sure that the member knows that the Hadigan and Bridge of D improvements could cut journey times by up to 20 per cent and, indeed, the AWPR itself could cut journey times by up to 50 per cent. Those are hugely welcome developments for the infrastructure of the north east. The cabinet secretary will be aware that the Deputy First Minister announced an additional £306 million of borrowing following the reclassification of the Aberdeen western peripheral route from Eurostat. Will that cover all the outstanding costs of construction or will there be a need for further borrowing in the future? There is no further borrowing required from that which the Deputy First Minister has already announced in relation to the project. Of course, the borrowing generally of the Scottish Government, whether it is to increase borrowing that we now have the ability to undertake, or other aspects of borrowing, has been factored into this. It is very unfortunate that that has been reclassified, because that crowds out potentially further projects. However, the borrowing for the project has been set, and there is no question either that the costs of that will either increase or that it will take longer to complete the project, because of that reclassification regrettable though it is. To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to develop transport infrastructure in Glasgow. The Scottish Government is delivering over £2 billion investment in transport infrastructure in and around Glasgow, including the completion of the motorway network, improving journey times by rail between Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as investment in Glasgow subway, Fastlink and the Glasgow wider area city deal. What economic benefits does the Scottish Government anticipate for Glasgow as a result of that substantial investment in the city's infrastructure? The infrastructure investment is all about supporting sustainable economic growth through better connectivity, improving the journey times and enhanced public transport, which has to be good for business, employment opportunities, education and healthcare, so delivering economic recovery and improving the infrastructure of our region and our nation. To ask the Scottish Government how its procurement processes encourage the use of local small and medium-sized enterprises. The Scottish Government will introduce legislation in June of this year, requiring public bodies when buying goods or services over £50,000 or when involved in construction type contracts over £2 million, to conduct the procurement exercise with a view to involving SMEs as well as the third sector and supported businesses in the process. That legislation will also require public bodies to advertise such contract opportunities on the Public Contract Scotland PCS website, thereby increasing visibility of such opportunities. PCS also allows main contractors on public sector contracts to advertise subcontract opportunities, giving smaller firms a chance to bid for contracts further down the supply chain. When a main contractor is appointed to manage a project, they are able to use the service to identify local suppliers as a part of the Scottish Government's drive to create a more sustainable supply chain for public sector contracts. Can I say that I have been impressed recently at a meeting with Scotland XL, who in fact just last night won a business award at the Procurement and Innovation awards. However, I am under two if there is a lack of understanding within public bodies as to how local enterprise can be well used to the advantage of both the company, the local authority and indeed the area in general. I wonder if the Scottish Government could take us on board as part of the progress and perhaps issue some very clear guidance as to how we can promote local companies within local communities. I think that the first part of my answer tried to explain to Linda Fabiani how, from the other side, the accession of opportunities by SMEs is being helped, which is right to point out how we can emphasise the benefits of using local SMEs. Local authorities, of course, are responsible for their own individual procurement decisions. The Government, for its part, is committed to ensuring that Scottish SMEs get a fair opportunity. However, we have also developed a suite of tools to improve and standardise the public procurement process and to support SME access. We are currently working with the supplier development programme to improve opportunities for SMEs. Statutory guidance on the sustainable procurement duty, particularly relevant to the point that Linda Fabiani has raised in her supplementary question, will be published shortly. That will build on the range of tools and support available to encourage all public bodies to make contracts accessible and will also help to emphasise the extent to which employing local companies benefits a local economy. To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to make infrastructure improvements north of Aberdeen. The completion of the AWPR Balmery to Tipperty scheme will provide a dual carriageway link to Ellen and provide significant travel benefits to communities and businesses north of Aberdeen within the next few years. The transport needs of the corridor north of Aberdeen will be considered further as part of the work associated with the Aberdeen city deal, which I announced in January. The AWPR Balmery to Tipperty scheme is expected to be open in winter 2017, with the Balmery to Tipperty section scheduled to open in spring 2017. The cabinet secretary will be aware that Transport Scotland has supported Nestrans in taking forward the Aberdeen to Fraserborough and Peterhead multimodal study. That is a very important piece of work, looking to establish the best option to improve connectivity between the key ports in the north and to the city of Aberdeen and beyond. What assurances can he give us that he will work with the city and Shire and Nestrans to deliver the outcome of that multimodal study? On 28 January, I announced the city deal, plus additional investment from the Scottish Government combined total of around £554 million, which will improve infrastructure housing and support jobs in the north-east. As the member suggests, part of that commitment included a transport appraisal project, which will take a long-term strategic view across all modes and transport needs of the area north of Aberdeen. That will be considered in that context. The transport needs will be considered as part of the city deal transport appraisal, and the emerging outcomes of the Nestrans initial appraisal work will be reviewed in that context. I could also have mentioned other aspects, for example the £170 million investment in the railways from Aberdeen to Manes, and of course the £3 billion plus project for the dualling of the A86. A huge amount of work is going on in the north-east just now. Thanks, Alex Johnstone. The minister may be aware of the why stop at Elin campaign, which is trying to make the case for dualling the road north of Elin towards Peterhead and Fraserborough. Is there any prospect that the minister may consider that outwith the multimodal study that has previously been described? I think that any consideration of something like that project, and I'm aware of the campaign surrounding that, would have to be considered in relation to the transport project appraisal that's been undertaken currently. To ask the Scottish Government what improvements have been made at Stirling railway station to improve the experience for passengers. Minister Derek Mackay Stirling station has received significant investment in passenger facilities over the past few years, and this has delivered the full refurbishment of the ticket office, new ticket counters, automatic doors to the waiting areas, automatic ticket gates, two ticket machines, platform resurfacing and new customer information screens. With its attractive layout and excellent backdrop, Stirling was chosen as the venue to mark the beginning of the new ScotRail franchise in April 2015. I thank the minister for his answer. I feel totally spoiled with that answer, I've got to say. Can the minister please confirm that he is aware that individuals with mobility disability can face difficulties accessing some platforms at Stirling station? Could he please tell me if Stirling council have ever made a bid to the Scottish stations fund to improve disability access at Stirling station? Would he also agree with me the huge importance of tourism to the Stirling economy that it's important that left luggage facilities are introduced at the station? Would he encourage Network Rail to introduce such facilities at the earliest possible date and spoil me even more? More than one question to minister. I'll be brief then, on the left luggage issue, that's a commercial decision for Abellio and the Alliance. I would encourage that, I think that it makes commercial sense with the tourist destination that is Stirling. I am aware of the accessibility issues and some of that has UK involvement in terms of accessibility funds but no, we have not received a bid to the station's fund and I would welcome a bid from that to be able to look at Stirling station because there is an issue about accessibility, disabled access and I have been working on it as has Keith Brown and we will continue to do so. To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Network Rail regarding the upgrading of the railway station at Preswick airport. The Scottish Government has not had any recent discussions with Network Rail regarding the upgrading of the railway station at Preswick airport but transport Scotland officials met with the owner on 9 February. Any potential upgrades to the station are the responsibility of the owner, Glasgow Preswick airport, who operate on a wholly commercial basis and at arms length from the Scottish Government. For his answer about Preswick airport, three years ago a full development plan, £4.2 million was produced by Network Rail in concert with the owner. The report regarding bringing the existing railhead up to a standard anticipated and expected by tourists. It may be in a locked cabinet somewhere. Can the cabinet secretary ask Network Rail to now resurrect it? I refer the member to that part of my first answer, which explains where the responsibility lay. The 2013 Network Rail report to which he refers indicated that it would cost between £4 and £5 million to bring the station up to the required standard in line with an international gateway. I repeat the point that any future investment will be considered by the business. I know that the member is regularly involved in discussions with Preswick airport, but that will be considered alongside other investment demands across the Preswick airport estate. To ask the Scottish Government how the fourth road bridge closure has affected the condition of roads on diversionary routes. Where possible, Transport Scotland kept diverted traffic, including HGVs, on the trunk road network to avoid disruption on local roads. For example, we utilised the pre-arranged standard incident diversion route for the fourth road bridge using the M9, M876, A876 and A985. To keep the diversion route running freely, Transport Scotland completed additional pavement inspections during the bridge closure, and any perceived accelerated deterioration will be taken into account when planned remedial works and reconstruction schemes for those routes are decided in the coming months and years. The maintenance and management of local roads is the responsibility of relevant local authorities, and the Scottish Government greatly appreciates their efforts during the closure period. Mark Griffin. I thank the minister for that answer. Can the minister tell me if the assessment of the trunk road network has flagged up any issues with the higher than normal volume of traffic, particularly that extended period where HGVs were using the routes? Also, if any local authorities have made any claims to any additional damage to their road network that they are responsible for, and if the minister is an indication of the cost to central and local government to the diversions that were in place? Assuming that the question is really around the actual condition of the carriageways, I do not have that level of detail and accelerated deterioration, but general wear and tear would have increased as the roads were potentially more heavily used by HGVs. I am not aware of any detailed claim from a local authority, but there has been on-going engagement with the business sector, local authority and communities, and other following the issues around the fourth road bridge. Of course, in terms of investment decisions to the future, as I said earlier in my answer, roads are inspected, remedial works and reconstruction are programmed on the basis of need, and it is on that basis that we will proceed. 8. Gordon MacDonald To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase active travel. We are increasing our investment in active travel with the annual budget for walking and cycling in 2015-16 at record levels and 70 per cent higher than in 2013-14. This funding has helped to deliver 330 miles of new pass and a further 95 miles upgraded or resurfaced between April 2011 and April 2015. In addition, 40.1 per cent of schools now offer bikeability Scotland on-road cycle training up from 31.5 per cent in 2010. Scottish canals are currently upgrading towpaths across Scotland, including the path on the union canal and my constituency between Rathaw and Hermiston that will benefit walkers and cyclists. Does the minister agree that investment of this type is desirable not only in reducing cabin emissions but also in improving health, fitness and wellbeing? Yes, I entirely agree with Mr MacDonald. I started off the ministerial week as it happens that I visit to a canal looking at regeneration opportunity and regeneration investment until it is good for our healthy lifestyles, the environment and, of course, the economic opportunity. I concur with what Mr MacDonald has said. I think that Scottish canals are doing a very good job with the settlement and the resources that they have. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on RNT union commissioned report on the economic benefits of public sector ferry provision on lifeline services in the Clyde and Hebrides. The Scottish Government fully recognises that Scotland's ferry services provide economic benefits to our island communities and are fully committed to the continued delivery of safe, reliable public loan ferry services, as evidenced by the record £1 billion investment in those services, vessels and ports since 2007. I thank the minister for his response. I point the minister to the conclusion in the report that suggested how damaging the privatisation of the ferry services in the Clyde and Hebrides would be should the tender process go to Serco. I ask him if he is also aware that, prior to the Scottish Government overturning North Lanarkshire Council's decision to reject the planning development proposed by Peter D Stirling in my constituency, Transport Scotland officials had approached a freight transport company in my constituency to encourage them to speak to that developer before they had been given planning permission in order to take advantage of the potential privatisation of the Hebrides ferry services and pushing them towards Serco. How can Transport Scotland officials talk to a private company and advise them to speak to another private company to take advantage of a decision that has not yet been made? First of all, I have no direct knowledge of the secondary issue that has been raised, but I have very deep concerns about the accusation that has been made about Transport Scotland officials—very deep concerns indeed. In terms of the ferries issue, the Government has invested substantially in ferries, including the procurement of two new ferries that will be built in Scotland at Ferguson's. However, when it comes to the tender process, Mr MacMahon, of all people, is well aware that the previous executive undertook a tender process. In fact, I am fairly sure that Mr MacMahon said to not undertake this process. It would have been dangerous and risky in itself, and we put the services at risk. We are not putting the services at risk. The vessels will stay publicly owned. We will continue to set the fares at and at timetables. We will continue to invest in the ferry services of Scotland. We will comply with the law, but I think that the people of the islands know that, when it comes to the islands, this Government has delivered on ferries, on RET, on enhancements, on aviation as well, and a whole range of areas. We will continue to deliver for the public services of our island communities. That concludes support for your questions. We will now move to the next item of business, which is a debate on motion number 158.