Scottish Government must safeguard local wildlife

15/11/07

Margaret Smith MSP has urged the Scottish Government to ensure that the wildlife of Queensferry is not destroyed by a new Forth crossing. The Scottish Government have pledged a commitment to safeguarding Scotland’s biodiversity and the Edinburgh West MSP asked the Environment Minister today to reassure local residents that they would consider this commitment in relation to any development decisions in the Firth of Forth.

Commenting, Mrs Smith said:

“There are a number of important wildlife sites around the Forth and many people have raised concerns with me about the negative impact some of the proposals for a new Forth crossing could have on these sites. It is crucial that the Government honours their commitment to biodiversity by considering the impacts of any development on local wildlife.

“I was pleased to receive assurances from the Minister that the Government does recognise the importance of these habitats and that they will be considered in any Ministerial decisions on the new Forth crossing, and I hope that the Scottish Government will stand by this statement and their earlier commitment.”

Read Margaret’s questions and the Minister’s responses >>