Not too late to get things back on track

When it comes to making a new year’s resolution, finding a universal wish everybody can agree on is likley to be problematic. While one may want to quit smoking, another may desire no more than a tidier home.

However, we could surely all join forces in a communal call for improved rail services.

It is fair to say ScotRail has not had a brilliant 2018. Indeed, type ScotFail into an internet search engine and just look at the thousands of results that emerge.

The inescapable conclusion is that there is not a lot of love for train travel at present.

But all is not lost and it would not take a Christmas miracle to turn around ScotRail’s fortunes.

Alison Henderson, CEO of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, is quite right to point out that significant investment is desperately required.

There can be no sticking plaster, short-term fix for the problems being experienced, but carefully targeted funding to alleviate some of the major issues could have a dramatic impact.

Political will and – equally importantly – consensus is needed. Petty party divisions and squabbling will need to be put to one side.

A rail service we can all trust, and even be proud of? Let us hope it doesn’t turn out to be a forlorn hope in 2019.