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No discussions have taken place suggesting re-routing the A82 via option 7.

Transport Scotland worked closely with our partners, including Forth Ports and potential ferry operators to carry out feasibility work that considered a variety of ferry options. This included a review of the practicalities and feasibility of any ferry service as well as considering a range of possible vessels and estimated overall journey time, compared with other travel options available.

We are aware that there is still significant capacity available on the existing public transport options. Consequently, the further option of a ferry is not considered necessary at present. However, we continue to keep all public transport options under review.

In June 2015 ministers announced their intention to take forward further design work to improve Longman Roundabout and for a new link between Inshes (A96) and Smithton (A9) which will help secure the long term effectiveness of the trunk road network around Inverness.

The objectives for both these projects include improving journey times and the effectiveness of the road hierarchy; reducing conflicts between strategic and local traffic and improving connectivity, particularly for public transport, walking/cycling. These projects will also improve road safety for all users.

Design work for both schemes will be taken forward as funding allows.

The January reopening date was determined following advice from specialist engineers and the Forth Bridge Operating Company, Amey Highways Ltd. It includes some contingency for adverse weather conditions.

A single contractor managing and maintaining both bridges will deliver value for money and operational efficiencies. This approach is the most cost-effective and co-ordinated approach to the management and maintenance of the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing.

This was a matter for and decision of the Forth Estuary Transport Authority.

In the period from 2000 to the abolition of tolls on 11 February 2008 the funding of all Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) operating and capital expenditure, including maintenance, was through toll income and other income generated by FETA through investments and interest.

On the abolition of tolls, a revenue and capital grant was payable to FETA by the Scottish Government. The revenue grant from the Scottish Government covered administration, maintenance and traffic operations. Budget allocation within the overall grant settlement was determined by FETA. The capital grant was paid to support capital works. FETA also supplemented the capital grant paid by the Scottish Government through the use of accumulated reserves.

The grant paid by the Scottish Government following the abolition of tolls is as follows:

The Scottish Government has regular discussions with the Scottish Housing Regulator, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and the Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations about a range of issues affecting housing associations and other registered social landlords (RSLs). Recent discussions have included the decision by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to reclassify private registered providers of social housing in England as public bodies. The discussions noted that the current ONS work-plan, published on 30 September 2015, does not include any plans to review the classification of housing associations and other RSLs in Scotland.

The Scottish Government has regular technical discussions with the Office for National Statistics (ONS). These have included informal discussions about the ONS decision to re-classify private registered providers of social housing in England as public bodies. This decision only applies to these bodies. The current ONS work-plan, published on 30 September 2015, does not include any plans to review the classification of housing associations and other registered social landlords in Scotland.

I refer the member to the answer to your question S4W-28139 on 5 November 2015. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.