Plans for a rail link to Glasgow Airport have moved forward with the announcement of �7m of investment for public transport across Scotland.

The Scottish Executive has given the green light to four projects which it said would improve access to jobs and public services.

Transport Minister Iain Gray announced the funding on Wednesday to develop plans for a rail link from Paisley to Glasgow Airport.

Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) welcomed the move and said it was clear the executive was committed to the rail link proposal.

The package includes transport improvements in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and central Scotland.

It comprises:

• �1.5m for Strathclyde Passenger Transport to draft legislation on a new rail link between Paisley and Glasgow Airport

• �3m for plans to build a third tram line in Edinburgh

• �500,000 to expand engineering development work for the Airdrie to Bathgate rail link

• �2m for better bus access into Aberdeen and improved public transport links in the city

The money will come from the executive's Integrated Transport Fund (ITF). Planners hope the rail link project will be complete by 2005.

The chairman of SPT, Eric Ross said: "It is fantastic news that the transport minister has agreed to back our bid.

Finally a Glasgow Airport rail link is no longer about talk, but firm action

Eric Ross SPT

"This support is the clearest indication yet that the executive are committed to building a rail link to Glasgow Airport.

"SPT will now move as quickly as possible to make the airport rail link a reality.

"The link will provide fast links to both Glasgow International and Prestwick airports and will create a rail network that will allow much better use of capacity at all the airports.

'Real improvements'

"Finally a Glasgow Airport rail link is no longer about talk, but firm action."

Mr Gray said he was "delighted" to give his backing to all four projects and that he wanted to work alongside local councils to ensure they come to fruition.

He said: "These are all important public transport priorities and I am committed to supporting such projects that will make real improvements to our public transport network.

Iain Gray:"Long-term dreams a reality"

"I want to work in partnership with the local authorities concerned to make sure we work together to deliver these plans.

"I want to improve access to jobs and services and improvements must be made to achieve this.

"There is a lot of work to be done and we must be sure we are getting the best value for money, however I believe the efficient delivery of these projects will contribute towards our vision of getting Scotland moving.

"This announcement demonstrates our commitment to delivering that goal and at last making long-term dreams a reality."