Image source, Reuters

Carillion went into liquidation last week, after running up losses on contracts and struggling with heavy debts.

The company employs about 20,000 people across the UK, and was involved in several major projects in Scotland.

It formed one third of the Aberdeen Roads Ltd (ARL) consortium, alongside Balfour Beatty and Galliford Try, which is delivering the £745m Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR).

Economy Secretary Keith Brown previously said that there is "nothing in the nature of the Carillion announcement that necessitates a delay" in the project.

Image source, bbc

Mr Brown moves on to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR), external..

The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty project consists of four sections:

 Balmedie to Tipperty: 12km from Blackdog to Tipperty

 Northern Leg: 16.1km from North Kingswells to Blackdog

 Southern Leg: 18.7km from Charleston to North Kingswells

 Fastlink: 11.5km from Stonehaven to Cleanhill Main construction works began during February 2015, with the entire project due to be completed by winter 2017/18

The minister says he is in close contact with the liquidators of Carillion and is working to prevent job losses.

Mr Brown says any affected empoyees will be supported through PACE.

Image source, Getty Images

A new 70mph speed was introduced on the Queensferry Crossing on 19 December 2017.

The speed limit was increased from 50mph in the early hours of the morning.

Resurfacing work that led to the partial closure of the £1.35bn bridge earlier this month has now been completed.

Transport Scotland said the road would assume full motorway status in the New Year. The Queen officially opened the bridge on 4 September.

The ceremony was exactly 53 years after she opened the Forth Road Bridge.

Economy Secretary Keith Brown begins with the announcement on Monday that the Queensferry Crossing will be designated a motorway from 1 February.

This will mean the public transport corridor on the Forth Road Bridge will open, he says.

He states the increase in speed limit has eased traffic flow on the route, with the 70mph limit beginning in December.

Image source, bbc

Committee convener Edward Mountain gets us underway by introducing the witnesses.

The committee begins with a session on major transport infrastructure projects.

It is hearing from:

• Economy Secretary Keith Brown,
• Michelle Rennie, Transport Scotland
• Alasdair Graham, Transport Scotland
• Roy Brannen, Transport Scotland

Read the briefing on the major infrastructure projects here., external

First up this morning is an update on major transport infrastructure projects in Scotland.

The committee will take evidence from:

• Economy Secretary Keith Brown,
• Michelle Rennie, Transport Scotland
• Alasdair Graham, Transport Scotland
• Roy Brannen, Transport Scotland

After that, there will be brief considering of two pieces of subordinate legislation:

• The Sea Fish (Prohibited Methods of Fishing) (Firth of Clyde) Order 2017
• The Specified Crustaceans (Prohibition on Landing Sale and Carriage) (Scotland) Order 2017

First up this morning, Economy Secretary Keith Brown appears before the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee to provide an update on major transport infrastructure.

In the chamber from 14:00, MSPs will quiz ministers on health and sport.

This will be followed by a Scottish Conservative-led debate on justice.

Image source, PA

Finally, SNP MSP Gail Ross will end the day with a debate on adverse childhood experiences.

Image source, PA