The Scottish Government has been criticised for not publicising a combined £7.5 billion long-term cost of the country's largest transport projects.

Audit Scotland, which looks at the way public money is spent, worked out the 30-year cost of the Borders railway, Edinburgh-Glasgow rail and motorway improvements, Aberdeen bypass and the new Forth bridge.

The construction costs will be about £3.8bn.

The larger figure reflects the building, financing and operating costs over three decades.

The Government and its agency Transport Scotland were told to "improve their public reporting" of infrastructure projects.

Auditor General for Scotland, Caroline Gardner, said: "The five key transport projects we report on are central to the Scottish Government's aim of strengthening Scotland's economy and recovery.

"It is encouraging that all are currently on track to be built within budget and four are on time.

"Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government need to improve their reporting on major projects to the public and to the Scottish Parliament.

"These projects will cost an estimated £3.8 billion to build and will tie up about £7.5 billion of public money over 30 years. It is important for the Scottish Government to demonstrate that this spending is affordable."

Transport minister Keith Brown said: "Whilst this report provides us with useful assurance around our governance and risk management procedures, we will take forward the recommendations to see where further improvements can be made and I look forward to leading a debate in the Scottish Parliament on transport projects later in the year."