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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.

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:

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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:

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Information on the application of Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) is provided in the STAG document, which is accessible via the Transport Scotland website at:

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Compliance with the requirements of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) is the norm for road and bridge projects. The DMRB contains both guidance and standards, together with a procedure for considering where departures from standards may be appropriate.

A range of preparatory work has been undertaken during the development of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Similar to other trunk road projects this has included scheme development, environmental impact assessment, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, publication of statutory documentation, topographical surveys, ground investigations and acquisition of property by voluntary agreement.

The cost of preparatory work undertaken up to the end of June 2009, including acquisition of property by voluntary agreement, is approximately £80 million.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-26010 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 .

All work has been authorised by the Scottish Government and its partners Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council.

As with other trunk road projects preparation and survey work, which provides essential data required prior to construction work, continues throughout the development of a scheme in order to ensure scheme preparation is kept on schedule in the event Scottish ministers decide to proceed with the scheme following consideration of the public local inquiry reporters report.

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 .