Engaging with Communities

In keeping with the scale and significance of the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC), Transport Scotland has placed meaningful consultation and sustained engagement with affected communities at the heart of the project's development.

Transport Scotland exhibition

We have consulted and engaged with a wide range of stakeholders. This began in in 2006 to develop the Forth Replacement Crossing Study, which formed the basis for the December 2007 announcement to proceed with the construction of a cable-stayed bridge.

Following this important milestone, we continued to consult and engage with a wide range of interested parties, resulting in significant improvements to the scheme, until the start of the statutory consultation process, which commenced with the introduction of the Forth Crossing Bill in November 2009.

We have set out our commitment and approach to encouraging public involvement in the development of the crossing in the guide Engaging with Communities, which was published in September 2008. This sets out a proactive approach to engagement and consultation on the project and a process which is designed to ensure that:

• Arrangements for participation are inclusive, open and transparent
• A wide range of participants are encouraged to get involved at the appropriate time
• Information is provided at key stages to allow for the fullest consideration at that stage
• Communication takes place using a range of methods in a range of locations
• All representations are fully considered and feedback provided

As the project moves to construction the Contractor will become a significant part of the ongoing communication process as overseen by Transport Scotland to ensure that the public is kept fully informed of progress and activities during construction.