Noise Action Plans for Scotland's two biggest cities - as well as for major airports, roads and railways - have been published.

The draft plans seek to identify areas where noise may have the greatest impact on residents and have been issued for consultation in accordance with the Environmental Noise Directive.

Minister for Environment Michael Russell said: "As well as being deeply annoying for all concerned, excessive noise can have some serious side-effects, not least sleep deprivation.

"It is often referred to as the forgotten pollutant but the Scottish Government is determined to do more to highlight, and therefore deal with, the problem of excessive noise. Improving our environment is a key part of our plans for a greener Scotland."

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In September 2007, Scotland became the first in the UK to publish Environmental Noise maps. On sunday draft plans became the second stage in reducing public exposure to excessive noise from transport and industrial sources.

"Today's Action Plans marry up the maps with information on population, presenting areas where excessive noise and high densities of population coincide. Coming at the end of Noise Action Week 2008 – a UK-wide initiative, I am delighted to see that Scotland is again ahead of the rest in taking action.

"There are now a number of things to be considered, particularly by the working groups which have been set up to look at these issues.

"I want to look at what is feasible to reduce excessive noise and make Scotland a quieter place," Mr Russell said.

(GK/JM)