The Scottish Government is to be given early access to borrowing powers to help fund the new Forth crossing, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced.
The capital borrowing powers were expected to be in place by 2013 as part of the Scotland Bill, currently going through Westminster, but will now be available this year.
“We are already committed to providing the Scottish Government with significant new borrowing powers and tax-raising powers for the long-term benefit of Scottish families,” said the Liberal Democrat leader.
“We are always looking to do more for the benefit of Scotland and that is why I can confirm today that we will also be coming forward with new plans that will allow the Scottish Government to have access to money this year.
“This is earlier than was envisaged so that money can be invested in capital projects like the construction of a new Forth bridge. That is good for the economy. It is good for jobs.
“It is good for Scotland and it is yet another demonstration of our commitment in the coalition government to an increasingly strong, dynamic, prosperous Scotland within a strong United Kingdom.”
Mr Clegg made the announcement in South Queensferry during his first visit to Scotland since the Holyrood election in May.
Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said, “This is yet another example of Liberal Democrats delivering for Scotland.”
The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP added, “Millions of pounds for roads and bridges in Scotland, thanks to the Liberal Democrats.
“The Liberal Democrats are radical but not reckless like the SNP.”
In April, Transport Scotland gave the formal go-ahead to the £790m design and build contract for the new bridge over the Firth of Forth.
The total cost of the project will be between £1.47bn and 1.62bn.
Capital borrowing powers outlined in the Scotland Bill amount to £2.2bn. Revenue borrowing powers in the bill total £500m.
However, Mr Clegg’s announcement did not cover calls from the Scottish Parliament to increase the borrowing limit among proposed changes to the legislation.