HC Deb 23 May 1990 vol 173 cc223-4W
Mr. Kennedy

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the National Trust for Scotland concerning the proposed line of route and causeway design component of a bridge to Skye with particular reference to(a) the impact of this upon the National Trust for Scotland-owned Eilean Dhubh, (b) the alignment from the Plock of Kyle to Eilean Dhubh and (c) the desirability or feasibility of a viaduct construction in preference to a causeway; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

As part of the consultation now in hand with various parties, the National Trust for Scotland wrote to the Scottish Development Department in a letter received on 18 May with its views. The comments of the trust are detailed and its views have not yet been assessed. The general view of the trust is that it wishes to see environmental and aesthetic standards appropriate to the project and its landscape setting, a view shared by all involved in the project.

The next step will be for designers and landscape architects to take account of the various views expressed and prepare scale models of developed proposals for presentation to those concerned.

Mr. Kennedy

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will assess the cost implications of the construction of the proposed bridge to Skye of a viaduct design in preference to the inclusion of a causeway; if he will indicate what impact such a design change might have upon possible toll charges to be levied; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Consultation is now in hand with the relevant parties about the various aspects of the proposed bridge to Skye. These include its environmental treatment and the views of conservation and amenity groups such as the National Trust for Scotland, the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland and the Countryside Commission for Scotland are being sought. When all these views on general treatment are to hand it will be possible for designers and landscape architects to work up proposals, costings and environmental solutions for detailed discussion. It would be premature to speculate on the likely level of tolls until a complete project has been satisfactorily defined.