In reply to Mark Stevenson:
What? "The vast majority"?
If you are genuinelly saying that this is ample evidence to back up a claim about ego projects set up by Westminster then I would suggest that you are at best vague about this and at worst hold a very poor understanding of where money comes from.
I agree with you though, the second forth crossing is not a great idea and as per usual seems to be going over budget.
Biggest targets to save money and divert it to Nevis Parnership would be Trident at £20 billion + and ID cards at £6billion +.
Back on topic, having done some very limited work with the NP I can see there is great value in their activities. However, and not related to this particular discussion, there has to be an open and frank discussion of how many organisations are required. Lochaber Geopark, OCUK, Nevis Parternship, SNH, JMT, MCofS etc all with an interest in the same piece of land and all with their own separate offices.