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Bids into Phase 3 of the Bus Emission Abatement Retrofit scheme were assessed against four criterion; project fit and rationale, deliverability, emissions reduction and value for money. Scoring for each criterion enabled an average score to be calculated per bid, with bids then being ranked according to the scores.

Funding per bus varied across bidders for several reasons. Firstly, the largest orders for retrofitting kit typically achieved the lowest average costs, in tandem with price variations between exhaust equipment suppliers who were chosen by individual operators. Secondly, some operators did not include a funding request for technologies such as eFans which are complimentary to exhaust retrofitting, which also contributed to some bids having a lower average grant per bus/coach.

We are progressing our work with stakeholders to review the extension of discounts available on all public transport to those under the age of 26. This looks at a range of options, including free bus travel for those under the age of 26 through a cost and benefits appraisal in order to fully consider financial sustainability. We committed within the Programme for Government to report on the review by the end of December 2020.

The Scottish Government's commitment of over £500 million pounds over five years announced in the recent Programme for Government is the highest ever investment in active travel. This record level of funding was warmly welcomed by our active travel partners and will provide confidence for long term investment in large scale, transformational active travel infrastructure projects many of which span several years.

The Scottish Government will, as a matter of course, consider the case for additional support for active travel as part of the annual budget process.

The Scottish National Investment Bank team are working with partners across the public sector to develop investment opportunities, including in the transport sector. Once formally established, the Scottish National Investment Bank will communicate its outcomes accordingly.

Sustrans Scotland, who administer the Spaces for People programme, is providing guidance on monitoring as part of a package of support offered to local authorities. Guidance, which is bespoke and based on need, typically includes advice on developing monitoring plans, undertaking data collection, analysing data and reporting.

A national monitoring and evaluation framework for Spaces for People has been developed by Sustrans in partnership with Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland and distributed to local authorities.

It is for local authorities to determine, through evaluation of projects, whether or not they merit being made permanent. The Scottish Government provides support to local authorities for the creation of permanent walking and cycling infrastructure through the Places for Everyone programme.

The information requested can be found on the Air Quality in Scotland website at: http://www.scottishairquality.scot/laqm/aqma

The Scottish Government is committed to increasing the economic benefit delivered to Scotland by amending the current economic link provisions set out in licence conditions.

We will publish firm plans as part of our Future Fisheries Management Strategy later this year.

Funding announced for the Agricultural Transformation Fund in the 2020-21 Scottish Budget was £20m capital and £20m Financial transactions. A total of £11.5m of capital expenditure has been announced so far this financial year which is made of £1.5m for forestry machinery and small farm and croft woodland planting and £10m for the Sustainable Agriculture Capital Grant Scheme.

None of the Financial transactions funding has yet been allocated. Opportunities to utilise this funding have been limited due to Covid restrictions on business earlier in the year.

Other options for funding are being investigated and further announcements on those will be made in future. Allocations of funding for future years will be dependent on the outcome of the Capital Spending Review and the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review.

The implementation of Spaces for People schemes is a matter for the local authorities and public bodies which successfully applied for funding. Sustrans Scotland, which administers Spaces for People, is offering support to help overcome any barriers to delivery.

The delivery of Spaces for People schemes is a matter for the local authorities and public bodies which successfully applied for funding. Sustrans Scotland is working closely with local authorities to support delivery of schemes .