Flagship transport plans could see islands connected with tunnels and a major new "rapid transit scheme" in Aberdeen.
Ministers have made 45 recommendations to guide transport investment decisions over the next 20 years.
Improving public transport links in the biggest city regions is at the heart of the blueprint.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said his review commits to investigate the potential to build bridges or dig tunnels between Sounds of Harris and Barra, and between Mull and the Scottish mainland.
Other recommendations include carrying out enhancements to the Highland mainline and the Perth to Aberdeen rail corridors, to improve journey times and increase capacity and reliability for passenger and freight services.
Aberdeen Rapid Transit
Mr Matheson described the rapid bus transport scheme in Aberdeen as a “very ambitious programme going right out to Ellon”, which he claimed will be “transformative for the north-east”.
It could see the city follow Belfast and create a system using futuristic Glider buses in dedicated lanes. The belfast scheme has been compared to a metro system 'on wheels'
The scheme would deliver a prioritised, high-frequency tram-like solution for passengers, with four key fast-bus routes linking the airport and P&J Live in the north to Portlethen in the south. Links from Bridge of Don to Kingswells and Westhill are also being proposed.
The published transport review says the project would "provide more competitive and efficient public transport into and around the Aberdeen city region".
It would "prioritise buses and connect key destinations on the outskirts of Aberdeen to the city centre via busy radial corridors - including the A96, A944 and A956".
Reaction
Chair of Nestrans Councillor Sandra Macdonald said, “Along with Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils, Nestrans has significantly contributed to the STPR2 process, promoting the regional interests of the North East. The themes of the national document align with our own Regional Transport Strategy (RTS), and they provide a strong basis for progressing what we want to achieve here over the next 20 years.
“To reduce car kilometres, improve air quality and work towards Net Zero, we need to have sustainable alternatives to car travel which are attractive, accessible and efficient. I am particularly pleased to see two projects highlighted which will directly support public transport and active travel in the North East.
“The Aberdeen Rapid Transit (ART) scheme is a flagship project from the North East Regional Transport Strategy. In the coming years, it will deliver transformational public transport, linking key routes with high-frequency ultra-modern vehicles that are efficient and competitive compared to a car journey. This will help deliver positive social, environment and economic benefits for the region.
“The development of an active travel freeway network along key routes in Aberdeen underpins the development of active travel across the region, by offering a safe dedicated space for walking and cycling across the city with connections to an extended network of links to the wider North East region.”