21 December 2011

Speaking as work starts on the Forth Replacement Crossing, Scottish Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, Richard Baker MSP, said:

"This much-needed boost for our construction industry is welcome and I hope local firms will continue to benefit from this substantial project.

"It is vital that firms in Scotland benefit from an ambitious capital programme in Scotland, and we hope this continues to be the case in relation to the Forth Replacement Crossing.

"Our regret is that this is not happening more widely across the country and that more firms are not benefiting in this way.

"In too many instances major transport and infrastructure projects have been delayed or there is no timetable for their completion.

"Delaying large-scale infrastructure projects, that have potential to unlock thousands of jobs, is that last thing we need when unemployment continues to rise faster here in Scotland than the rest of the UK."