High-speed rail ‘should connect with Scotland for full economic benefits’

Scotland should be included in the new high-speed rail network if the UK is to reap its full economic benefits, a new report has found.

The Scottish Partnership Group for High Speed Rail, formed by transport minister Keith Brown, has published a report detailing the benefits for business, communities and the environment.

A survey carried out by the group found that 72.5 per cent of Scottish businesses believe it would attract new investment.

The Fast Track Scotland document also reports that the line would benefit Scotland by around £24.8 billion.

Mr Brown said: “The argument for a high-speed rail network in the UK is strong.

“But it is stronger when Scotland is included. That is the clear message from this report and one which the Scottish Government fully backs.”

Mr Brown said the consequential reduction in domestic flights could also benefit the environment.

The group brought together Glasgow and Edinburgh city councils, Network Rail, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Transport Scotland and a number of other bodies chosen to help represent a wide cross-section of Scottish civic and business life.

The report calls for the remit of the HS2 company, formed by the Department for Transport, to be extended to consider detailed planning for Scotland.

It concludes: “It is imperative that high-speed rail is developed in the UK.

“It is also imperative that Scotland is included if the UK is to see the full benefits of its contribution to the economy.”

Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “Fast Track Scotland sets out in clear and unambiguous terms the economic windfall that the development of high-speed rail could bring to Scotland.

“As the UK moves towards a rapid, resilient and sustainable rail network for the 21st century, it is vital that Scotland is included from the outset.

Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald said: “Scottish Labour welcomes the publication of a business case for connecting Scotland with London by High Speed Rail. Now we need to see the Scottish Government go beyond saying it’s a good thing, and spell out what they will actually do.”