sentences:  In 2005 the new crossing was given the go-ahead, and construction began in June 2006, with the sod-cutting ceremony performed by the Scottish Transport Minister, Tavish Scott, accompanied by the Earl of Elgin who as a boy had performed the ceremony for the Kincardine Bridge.The bridge was officially opened by Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond on 28 November 2008.At the ceremony, Salmond said