Minister says high-speed line must service east and west

Published on Wednesday 28 October 2009 09:06

PLANS for a high-speed rail network must include a link to both Edinburgh and Glasgow, according to transport bosses.

Transport Scotland has submitted a report to the company charged with examining the proposals, outlining the Scottish Government's preference for a line splitting north of the Border, linking to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Transport minister Stewart Stevenson said: "It is essential we plan with a clear, long-term vision for high-speed rail.

"Journey times of less than three hours (to London] would make rail a more attractive travel choice, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions and contributing to achieving climate change targets."

Adding that an effective transport network would bring growth, he said: "Failure to bring high-speed all the way to Scotland will leave Scotland behind. While the cost of a high-speed rail network is likely to be high, the benefits are significantly greater."