Week 7, Day 4 - the details of the last day of evidence

This was the final day of the formal part of the Inquiry. You might have imagined it would wind gently down to its conclusion. However ...

The focus today was the evidence of Professor Des Thompson, Principal Adviser on Biodiversity for Scottish Natural Heritage. He was led in evidence by Miss Cockburn. There then followed some six hours of cross-examination by Ms Wilson. When she said, at one stage, she just needed another hour, she took another two hours. Later, when she said she
needed another fifteen minutes she took another hour. By the time it was the turn of the Reporters to ask questions, it was 7pm. When they had finished, Ms Cockburn then carried out a lengthy re-examination to revisit some of the assertions and suggestions that Ms Wilson had made during the cross-examination, finishing at 8.30pm. Then there was a final session in
which all parties could raise any matters before the Inquiry ended.

There was a bit of discussion about the Hearing to be held on 3rd and 4th April, and about the publication of the final revision of the Environmental Statement, following the correction of the figures. Then, in true Babcock fashion, Ms Wilson presented another document with a request that it be lodged - at 9.45pm on the very last day of a seven week Inquiry! This document was a response by Babcock to a Forth Ports document produced at the end of part one of the Inquiry. It showed Babcock's very different view as to what should constitute the boundary of the HRO area!

Then, those who had stuck it to the very end were allowed to go home.