Greens call for action on Highland Main Line

THE Scottish Greens are urging that promises made by the Scottish Government more than a decade ago to improve train services between Inverness and the central belt are kept.

Highlands and Islands members of the party have launched a campaign outlining the benefits they say improvements to the Highland Main Line would bring, including reduced journey times, increased capacity and a reduction in car use as a result of a more attractive alternative. Currently most of the railway line running between Inverness and Perth is single track.

The party’s lead candidate, Ariane Burgess, said: “It isn’t right that in the 21st century it is quicker to drive to the central belt from the Highlands than get the train.

“Meanwhile we have seen commitments to cut journey times by road and air, the transport modes which cause the most climate emissions.”

Supporters of change are
being urged to write to transport secretary Michael Matheson, calling for upgrades to the line to be prioritised.

Transport Scotland said improvements had already been made to the railway line while an ongoing review would determine further future priorities for investment.

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