New Highland MSP Emma Roddick makes her presence felt in parliament by calling on First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to ensure that the transport needs of the Highlands will not be overlooked after the SNP deal with the Greens

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has called on First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to ensure that the transport needs of the Highlands will not be overlooked in the deal with the Greens.

Welcoming the deal, Ms Roddick says that “there is a lot to look forward to” but she wants assurances over plans to double inter-city train lines to Inverness and improvements to the Far North and West Highland lines.

She is pushing for the doubling of the Highland Main Line alongside the Inverness-Aberdeen line – both of which are notoriously slow, with services often having to wait in sidings to allow other trains to pass.

Ms Roddick said: “Although promoting active travel where possible is important, it is also important to recognise that cycling or walking is not an option for everyone, especially those in rural areas.

“We need assurances that the Green deal will see improvements to rail infrastructure in order to benefit our communities while meeting our carbon management commitments.”

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

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