HS2 is a win-win for Scotland and the UK

Sir, – Alistair Ballantyne’s observation (HS2’S Scottish benefits unclear, Courier, February 13) on the benefits of HS2, or as he would probably assert the non benefits, needs some clarification.

Wherever high speed rail links have been created, the economics benefits have been significant.

This has been the experience in China, Japan and France .

These countries all have well established high speed ‘bullet trains’.

So it isn’t exactly pioneering technology or an economic experiment.

The worth of the system to a nation has been proven.

Cutting down travel times is only one aspect of the advantage of high speed links.

The other important factor is that because of the reduction in travel times more trains can use the track, thus increasing volume, reducing costs and making transport much more efficient.

It has to be considered also that at least 22,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase and it is estimated that as many as 100,000 jobs will be created in spin-offs from the new link.

This has been the experience in other countries.

As far as Scotland is concerned, not only will there be faster connection to other parts of the UK, so that there will be increased business opportunities, but also Scotland can expect a £10 billion windfall as part of the Barnett formula which adjusts the amount of public spending allocated to Scotland to reflect changes down south.

Large infrastructure projects like HS2 will always have detractors and enthusiasts in equal measure but experience from other parts of the world shows high speed rail links are beneficial for an economy and the environment in reducing the need for road transport.

It is a win-win project for both Scotland and the UK and with the the £10 billion windfall for Scotland as a consequence, what’s not to like ?

Iain G Richmond. Guildy House, Monikie,

Angus.