Broaden your horizons Calls to get tourism asset back on the right track
Passengers on picturesque West Highland Line want ‘clapped out’ trains replaced
IT has been voted the world’s most scenic journey and affords views of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery.
The West Highland Line, which travels from Glasgow to Oban and Mallaig, passes through dramatic Rannoch Moor, the UK’s highest station at Corrour, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter movies.
However, while the prestigious route is said to surpass others including the Trans-Siberian line, passengers say the ScotRail trains are unlikely to win any awards for comfort. While there have been upgrades, passengers say the “clapped-out” trains are not befitting of one of Scotland’s biggest tourism assets.
Carriages are said to be freezing in winter and excessively warm in summer while there is often no trolley service.
One regular passenger, who is in her 20s and lives in Glasgow, said she routinely brings hot water bottles for the journey and recalled “being able to see my breath, it was so cold”.
Last Saturday, on the early service from Glasgow to Mallaig, passengers were forced to wear jackets, hats and scarves to keep warm because there was no heating and no hot drinks were available.
Alison Suter, who is from Oban and uses the line regularly said: “I think ScotRail staff do a wonderful job given the resources available to them.
“However, the carriages are old and frequently dirty and cold.
“The price of the Highland railcard is reasonable but I would be happy to pay more to cover the cost of additional staff, heating and a regular buffet service.”
Privatisation
PASSENGERS hark back to the spacious, warm carriages and buffet cars of the trains under British Rail, which underwent total privatisation in 1993. One passenger, a former British Rail employee, said: “What is missing on the West Highland Line is comfort and warmth. Passengers had that with the old coaches.”
The Scottish Government announced in March last year that all ScotRail services will transfer from Abellio to public ownership from April 1. Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said the current franchising system was “no longer fit for purpose.”
One rail insider said: “The stock they have on the West Highland Line is long past its best. It’s not like this is a commuter train where folk just want to get to work on time.
“What about the thousands who travel from all over the world? What an advert. They just wouldn’t get away with the clapped-out stock on other routes.”
He added: “So why has the West Highland Line been neglected? The jewel in ScotRail’s crown.”
Ian Blackford, SNP MP for Ross, Skye, Lochaber, believes nationalisation is an “opportunity” to fix many of the problems across Scotland’s rail network.
Mr Blackford said he contacted ScotRail about the poor standard of rolling stock on the WHL in 2018 following complaints from constituents..
He said: “By bringing ScotRail back into public ownership, the SNP will create a greener and more affordable system, with the aim of fully decarbonising the rail service by 2035.
“I see this as an ideal opportunity for the Scottish Government to work with regional transport partnerships to reinstate or develop new railway branch lines across rural Scotland.”
“It is an opportunity for a muchneeded refurbishment of some of the existing rolling stock, to provide new toilets, seating, better heating and a better standard of service overall – all things which I know are important to constituents. This is particularly important to residents of remote rural communities who rely on the rail service as a vital public transport link, many of whom feel they are not currently receiving a decent service.”
£16m refurb
SCOTRAIL said the diesel Class 156 fleet which currently operates on the line went through a £16 million refurbishment programme between 2018/19.
It said improvements included better heating and lighting, increased toilet and
What about the thousands who travel from all over the world? What an advert
luggage space, accessible toilets and dedicated wheelchair spaces, as well as free WiFi and at-seat power sockets.
A spokesman said the food and drink service was currently experiencing staff shortages “due to the uncertainty during the pandemic” which had resulted in employees moving to other roles or leaving. However, the company did not respond to The Herald on Sunday when asked to explain prolonged heating issues.
Lesley Kane, ScotRail commercial director, said: “There’s no denying that the West Highland Line is one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys.
“Recent investment by ScotRail and Network Rail – in refurbished trains, dedicated cycle carriages, upgraded signalling equipment, and in customer service – shows our commitment to the route. In the years to come, we’ll continue to work to support tourism, sustainability, and bring wider economic benefits along Scotland’s most scenic railways by replacing all our diesel trains with a low carbon alternative.”