Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19005 on 8 January 2009. 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

As I announced on 10 December 2008, the delivery of the Forth Crossing is the strategic transport priority for Scotland which will dominate our investment programme until its opening in 2016. Alongside this, we will deliver rail interventions such as the Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvements Programme, improvements to the Highland Main Line and improvements between Aberdeen and Inverness.

The Levenmouth Feasibility Study was appraised during the Strategic Transport Project Review process, but was not determined as a priority for implementation as the benefits are focused at a local and regional level.

We will continue to monitor the work of SESTrans on this project.

The Strategic Transport Projects Review has considered the transport infrastructure requirements necessary to deliver the key strategic outcomes arising from the National Transport Strategy which in turn, support the Scottish Government''s economic strategy. The recommendations focus on the strategic road and rail systems between key locations across Scotland.

Other proposals, where the benefits are focused at a local or more regional level, should be considered by the relevant local authority, in conjunction with their regional transport partnership.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19005 on 8 January 2009. 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to answer to question S3W-19005 on 8 January 2009. 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The Strategic Transport Projects Review has recommended 29 transport interventions over the next 20 years that will let us plan for the delivery of an efficient, integrated transport network fit for the 21st century.

Delivering the Forth Replacement Crossing is the key strategic priority for Scotland. Alongside this, we will also deliver further rail interventions such as the Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvements Programme and improvements to the Highland Main Line.

These and the remaining interventions represent the clear priorities for this government over the next 20 years and will be delivered subject to subsequent spending reviews.

However, other interventions, including upgrading the Redhouse roundabout, could be delivered by interested parties such as regional transport partnerships, local authorities or developers, if they consider them to be viable and the proposals are consistent with strategic priorities for this trunk road route.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19004 on 8 January 2009. 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Full details of the support available to higher education students and how this funding is distributed can be found on the Student Awards Agency for Scotland''s website www.saas.gov.uk.

Full details of what funding sources are provided for further education students at college can be found at the following link:

www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/Funding-Support-Grants/FFL/Publications.

Further education (FE) bursary funds are allocated by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), as part of their main recurrent allocation to colleges. Support for students on further education courses in college is distributed by the institution they attend. The SFC work with representatives from the college sector each year to set national guidelines for FE bursaries. The 2008-09 bursary policy can be found on the SFC website at the following link:

www.sfc.ac.uk/information/info_circulars/sfc/2008/sfc1408/guidance_bursary.pdf.

Full details of the support available to lone parents studying higher education courses at university or college can be found on the Student Awards Agency for Scotland''s website www.saas.gov.uk. Lone parents wishing to attend further education courses can receive full advice on what they are entitled to from their college.

Further details on what funding sources are provided for lone parents can be found at the following link www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/82254/0064841.pdf.