Grayling says HS2 will boost economy

Scotland will benefit from a new high-speed rail line which will create business opportunities, jobs and skills, according to UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling.

HS2, the UK government said, will give an economic boost to Scotland after the decision to award £6.6 billion of contracts to build phase one of the line was announced.

Mr Grayling said in addition to speeding up journey times, HS2 will support 16,000 jobs across the UK, with more than 100 Scottish businesses interested in the opportunities it will create.

The first phase between London Euston and Birmingham promises faster journeys onward to Glasgow of under four hours.

An expansion of the network to Crewe in 2027 will see journeys between Glasgow and London reduced by 45 minutes.