On wrong track

Published on 23/02/2013 00:00

The repeated proposal to build Scotland’s high-speed rail (HS1) between Edinburgh and Glasgow (your report, 21 
February) still seems odd.

The better option – if finance ever permits – remains to electrify one of the current lines, which should lead to improved journey times and more frequent trains.

Surely this would be of greater economic benefit per pound spent than a high-speed link that just might get up to top speed for a minute or two before having to slow down again smartly. Time saved: not much!

HS1 could, however, be of considerable benefit further north, particularly to Aberdeen. What might be better again is to spend the money on the existing tracks and rolling stock running north,  which are somewhat of a disgrace. Inverness is poorly served, and needs rail improvements now.

Joe Darby

Dingwall, Ross-shire