I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-25978 on 14 August 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 understand that Luss Estates, who are responsible for the management of Inchconnachan Island, are in the process of developing a conservation management plan for the Luss Islands, including Inchconnachan. The plan will take account of the island''s inclusion in a site of special scientific interest with objectives which include delivering the best approach to conservation of native wildlife and habitats. The estate has sought and received advice on the formulation of the plan from Scottish Natural Heritage, Deer Commission Scotland and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority. While the plan and any actions flowing from it are the responsibility of the estate, it appears that the process which the estate has put in place is likely to be helpful in informing responsible decisions about the future management of the island.

The decision on the route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route was based on the information noted in reports listed below:

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Development of Preferred Route Initial Assessment Stage Report.

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Development of Preferred Route Final Assessment Stage Report.

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Project Development 2005-06 Consolidation Assessment Report.

These reports were made available from autumn 2006 on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route website at:

http://www.awpr.co.uk/document_archive.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=&file=Documents+and+Reports.

The reports also identify procedures and criteria adopted to determine the route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Further information was provided in the form of evidence to the recent public local inquiry, in the precognitions of Mr A Graham, Mr J Wilson, Mr R Galbraith and Dr S Henderson. These, and all other precognitions lodged during the inquiry, are available from the inquiry website at:

http://www.awpr-pli.org/document_library.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=Precognitions%5CFull+Precognitions%5C&file=Transport+Scotland.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-26001 on 13 August 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 publication of draft orders in December 2006 and September 2007 marked the start of formal statutory consultation periods in respect of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. During the statutory consultation periods the public had the opportunity to comment in respect of the proposals, including the opportunity to comment on scheme objectives.

Information relating to the potential impact of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route on wildlife habitats, designated areas and protected species was made available in a number of reports, including those listed below.

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Environmental Statement 2007:

http://awpr.co.uk/document_archive.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=Environmental+Statement%5C&file=September+2007.

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Report to Inform Appropriate Assessment for the River Dee SAC:

http://www.awpr-pli.org/document_library.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=Documents%5CTransport+Scotland+Documents%5C&file=TS081.

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Environmental Statement 2007 Additional Survey Report: Breeding Birds:

http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Transport%20Scotland%20Documents/TS074.pdf.

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Environmental Statement 2007 Additional Survey Report: Bats:

http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Transport%20Scotland%20Documents/TS075.pdf.

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Correspondence between Promoters and Consultees in relation to the Environmental Statement:

http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Transport%20Scotland%20Documents/TS072.PDF.

The public local inquiry considered evidence in relation to the environmental aspects of the proposed scheme, including evidence in relation to matters included in the Environmental Statement produced in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999, as amended. The Scottish ministers are currently considering the public local inquiry reporters findings and recommendations prior to deciding whether or not to proceed with the scheme.

Various consultations have taken place in relation to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route during which consultees and the public were invited to provide comment in respect of environmental, landscape and wildlife issues.

Throughout the scheme development process consultation took place with a wide range of statutory and non-statutory bodies, seeking comment on various issues, including inter-alia, environmental, landscape and wildlife.

During the public consultation held in spring 2005 the public were invited to make comment on any issues, including inter-alia, environmental, landscape and wildlife.

The publication of draft orders in December 2006 and September 2007 marked the start of formal statutory consultation periods in respect of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. An Environmental Statement was published at the same time as the draft orders. The public had the opportunity to comment on the published scheme and also on the information contained in the Environmental Statement.

In terms of the public local inquiry, there was extensive consideration of the environmental, landscape and wildlife issues relating to the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-26037 on 13 August 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 the answer to question S3W-26045 on 13 August 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.

Impacts on land associated with the ground investigation in relation to the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route are typically limited to disturbances associated with taking access to individual locations for the purpose of carrying out the investigation work. The arrangements for carrying out this work include for making reinstatement of any damage to land that may arise as a consequence of the work.