Business Comment: Transport still remains important issue for Highlands, says Inverness Chamber chief

by Stewart Nicol, chief executive Inverness Chamber of Commerce

As I reflect on 13 years in the role of chamber chief executive, I cannot help but be reminded that some issues remain to the fore.

One of my responsibilities is to be the strong voice of business in the region and to campaign on matters which impact most on business. Our city and region’s connectivity, both digital and physical, is one such matter.

I was recently involved in proposed changes to our rail connectivity which reinforced that we can never let up when pressing the case for our city and region.

LNER’s timetable consultation process involved my engagement in one of their stakeholder events and then making a formal submission on proposed changes to their daily service between Inverness and King’s Cross. This is our only direct daily surface connection with London and is also the preferred choice for many in our business community seeking to have a full day of face-to-face engagement in the central belt.

My expectations were high as LNER were in a new place and their recently-introduced Azuma trains had clearly transformed the experience for travellers. Everything changed however with LNER’s disclosure that journey times for Inverness travellers on this important service would increase under these proposals.

The earlier start to this service would clearly present significant challenges for travellers seeking to connect by rail from Elgin and north of Inverness and the later evening arrival of the service from London compounds the issue. I couldn’t help but reflect that we were moving in a negative direction and my formal submission made it clear these proposals were completely unacceptable.

Just last week LNER unexpectedly announced that, “after careful consideration” and, despite being “very pleased with the level of engagement…the industry has agreed it [the proposed timetable] will not be introduced”.

While I would like to think this had something to do with the weight of my argument, the reality is there were strong challenges to the proposals from across the route.

Nonetheless, this vital service is safe, for the moment.

LNER offers host of cut-price train fares from Aviemore and Kingussie

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