Business groups join forces to get Garl back on track

Published on Monday 23 November 2009 21:58

SCOTLAND'S six main business groups yesterday joined forces to step up pressure on ministers to save the axed Glasgow airport rail link (Garl).

They said the SNP Scottish Government's decision to scrap the rail shuttle to the city centre would hit Glasgow's international links, worsen congestion and lose construction jobs. Leaders of the organisations have written to finance secretary John Swinney of their "profound disagreement" with the budget decision, which will save some 175 million.

The six comprise the CBI Scotland, the Federation of Small Businesses Scotland, the Institute of Directors Scotland, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, the Scottish Council for Development and Industry and Scottish Financial Enterprise.

The letter, which follows a meeting between the groups and Mr Swinney two weeks ago, stated: "The Garl project is not only desirable, but affordable. It has been cancelled only as a result of the Scottish Government's priorities lying elsewhere."

The groups have offered to meet Mr Swinney again to discuss possible options. CBI Scotland director Iain McMillan said: "The Scottish business community was extremely supportive of the Garl project. It would provide a fast, direct public transport link between Glasgow Airport and the centre of the city, ease congestion and improve Glasgow's and Scotland's international connectivity.

"It would also provide a much-needed boost to the construction sector and create jobs during tough economic times."

Chambers of Commerce chief executive Liz Cameron described the project as "a critical piece of a wider jigsaw".

The united front contrasts with the business community's less vociferous reaction to the SNP's cancellation of the Edinburgh Airport rail link in 2007.