Mr McMahon says the potential privatisation of the ferry services and pushing them towards Serco is wrong.

The transport minister says the vessels will stay publically owned.

Labour MSP Michael McMahon asks the government what its position is on the RMT union-commissioned report, The Economic Benefits of Public Sector Ferry Provision, on lifeline ferry services in the Clyde and Hebrides. 

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald asks what actions it is taking to increase active travel.

Mr Mackay says the maintenance and management of local roads is the responsibility of local authorities.

Mr Griffin asks about the period when HGVs were using trunk roads due to the closure.

Image source, bbc

The minister says he does not have that level of detail to hand, but he accepts general wear and tear would have increased.  

The Forth Road Bridge fully reopened last month. 

 The bridge was closed to all traffic on 4 December after a crack was discovered in a truss under the carriageway. 

The bridge then reopened to all vehicles except HGVs on 23 December. 

Transport Minister Derek Mackay said final repairs would be completed in time to allow HGVs over the bridge from 23:00 on Saturday 20 February. 

It follows a phased reintroduction of HGVs at night over the past two weeks. 

It was thought the bridge would fully reopen in mid-February but then officials said it would be mid-March. 

However, officials said "favourable" weather conditions since the storms in January meant the team was able to complete the works early. 

Labour MSP Mark Griffin asks how the Forth Road Bridge closure has affected the condition of roads on diversionary routes. 

SNP MSP Chic Brodie asks what recent discussions it has had with Network Rail regarding the upgrading of the railway station at Prestwick airport

Transport Minister Derek Mackay says Stirling station has received significant funding for improvements.

Image source, bbc

Mr Crawford says individuals with disabilities have difficulty getting access to certain platforms and asks if Stirling Council have asked for funds to address this.

Mr Mackay says no, he has not received a bid to the stations fund but he would welcome on to improve accessibility.

SNP MSP Bruce Crawford asks what improvements have been made at Stirling railway station to improve the experience for passengers.

Lib Dem MSP Alison McInnes asks the Scottish government what plans it has to make infrastructure improvements north of Aberdeen.

SNP MSP Linda Fabiani ask the government how its procurement processes encourage the use of local small and medium-sized enterprises.

The first images of the new trains to be introduced on the Glasgow subway have been revealed as part of a £200m deal to overhaul the system. 

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has awarded the contract to a Swiss/Italian consortium. 

Image source, SPT

The authority said the new trains would offer quieter and smoother journeys and have dedicated facilities for wheelchair users for the first time. 

The trains, which can run driverless, are due to be operational by 2020. 

SPT confirmed that the £200m contract to supply new trains, signalling and equipment for the subway system, would be awarded to Stadler Bussnang AG / Ansaldo STS Consortium. 

SNP MSP James Dornan asks the government what steps it is taking to develop transport infrastructure in Glasgow.

The Infrastructure Secretary says the Scottish government has given assurances that work on improving the Haudagain roundabout will take place after the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) is completed.

The construction of the Aberdeen bypass was reclassified from a private to a public sector project last July. 

It follows an Office for National Statistics (ONS) review after a tightening of EU rules around publicly-funded building programmes. 

The bypass is being funded though the "non-profit distribution" model, set up as an alternative to PFI. 

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the project would not be delayed as a result of the change.

Labour MSP Kevin Stewart asks what progress is being made on the construction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Mr Stewart details the problems facing Eden Court in Inverness, with a course,  once taken by Karen Gillon, being cancelled.

Ms Hyslop says she is very aware of the work Eden Court does.

Labour MSP David Stewart asks the government what it is doing to support culture in the Highland and Islands.

SNP MSP Jim Eadie asks when the government last met Creative Scotland and what matters were discussed. 

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop says she has no plans to visit the Aye Write! festival but says she is sure it will be a success.

Ms Hyslop says the first minister will close the festival.

Mr Malilk plugs his mother's book which the culture secretary says she is sure is wonderful.