8. To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made in ensuring that a Maybole bypass achieves the status of a shovel-ready project. (S4O-04861)

Following consideration of a public local inquiry reporter’s recommendations for the A77 Maybole bypass, the Scottish ministers have decided that orders should be made without modification. We are now progressing the design work for that important scheme with a view to publishing made orders early next year, which, subject to there being no legal challenge, will complete the statutory process.

That is good news. Can we now expect a financial commitment for the project from the minister, and when might that be forthcoming?

The Scottish Government remains committed to commencing construction of the A77 Maybole bypass at the earliest possible opportunity, subject to the satisfactory completion of the statutory process and allocation of funding from future spending reviews, which will be informed by today’s announcement.

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

I call Jim Hume to ask question 9.

Regrettably, Jim Hume is not in the chamber.

Question 10 has been withdrawn and a satisfactory explanation on Bob Doris’s behalf has been provided, so that concludes question time.