MSP out of bypass decision ; Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson has ruled himself out of making any decision on the Aberdeen bypass.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson has ruled himself out ofmaking any decision on the Aberdeen bypass.

Mr Stevenson has decided to distance himself from the pounds400million project because it would have a direct impact on his Banffand Buchan constituency.

And, like his fellow North-east MSPs, he has publicly supportedthe bypass and campaigned for it to be built.

The final decision after the public inquiry will almost certainlynow be made by Finance Secretary John Swinney.

First Minister Alex Salmond will also play no part because thebypass will run through his Gordon constituency.

The revelation that Mr Stevenson, pictured, would play no partin a final decision came after he attended a private meeting withanti-bypass campaigners Road Sense yesterday.

The meeting came after the First Minister Alex Salmond facedcriticism for meeting representatives of the proposed Trump golfdevelopment in his constituency.

Tory MSP Alex Johnstone said it was wrong that environmentalcampaigners should question this, then go ahead with a meeting aboutthe bypass with Mr Stevenson.

The MSP said: "It does seem to be a case of double standardsfrom the green lobby. Ministers need to be careful about theiractions given the fact that the Scottish Government will probablymake a final decision."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Mr Stevenson has met several parties with an interest in the proposed bypass. "He willplay no part in the decision-making."

dmaddox@ajl.co.uk

MSP out of bypass decision ; Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson has ruled himself out of making any decision on the Aberdeen bypass.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson has ruled himself out ofmaking any decision on the Aberdeen bypass.

Mr Stevenson has decided to distance himself from the pounds400million project because it would have a direct impact on his Banffand Buchan constituency.

And, like his fellow North-east MSPs, he has publicly supportedthe bypass and campaigned for it to be built.

The final decision after the public inquiry will almost certainlynow be made by Finance Secretary John Swinney.

First Minister Alex Salmond will also play no part because thebypass will run through his Gordon constituency.

The revelation that Mr Stevenson, pictured, would play no …