Call for Lochaber rail input

Continued from page one. Scotland in 2018 in response to pressures from local rail user groups which felt rail services fell far below expected standards.

‘As it was nearing completion, the review was abruptly paused as a result of the pandemic and remains paused while the rail industry focuses on preparing for the government’s takeover of the network.

‘The review group saw the rail industry working with local stakeholders to collect evidence and bring forth ideas for a better railway service.

‘This work must now be allowed to conclude so that the government can act on the group’s recommendations in relation to safe access to stations, improved passenger information and better timetabling.

‘For WHCRP it is important to see better utilisation of the rail network around Fort William in order to alleviate congestion on the local road network and making the most out of existing infrastructure.

‘Particularly if combined with more energy efficient rolling stock, this will go some way towards meeting carbon emission targets and fulfilling latent demand for local rail journeys.

‘It is our hope that these aspirations will have strong advocates among our local councillors and that the advertised National Conversation will listen to the voices from rural Scotland.’

John Hutchison, chairman of Kilmallie Community Council, said three items arose from the planned changes.

‘Given that the sleeper will continue to be run by parties other than ScotRail, can we have confidence that it will be actively marketed?’ he said.

‘From time to time, the suggestion of a short-hop rail bus arises, to run from Corpach to Fort William, around commuting times.

Scope

‘Will more local ownership mean there is scope to have this idea properly investigated once and for all?

‘It would be good to think the new ScotRail will give the WHCR Partnership a stronger role in service design.’

However, Councillor Allan Henderson, Caol and Mallaig, was less than enthusiastic about the takeover of rail services.

‘Unfortunately for me this is not a marriage made in heaven. Network Rail is still involved as infrastructure partners so there is little chance of dramatic improvements other than safety requirements such as tunnels, rock cutting and the scheduled Glenfinnan viaduct work,’ he told the Lochaber Times.

‘The Scottish Government are reluctant partners and haven’t had much success with nationalised companies, or at least ones being run under their umbrella.

‘I fear that services will be very limited in the winter as they move towards a demand-led service, although this would give them an opportunity to trial short-hop trips from Glenfinnan to Fort William or, similarly, Spean Bridge.

‘This would need to be closely monitored with bus use as we need to be careful that marginal services are not jeopardised.’

Mr Henderson added that local representatives will need to make strong representation to make sure scarce rolling stock does not disappear south in the winter months.

And he concluded: ‘More attention needs to be paid to the Mallaig line timetable tying in with ferry connections and not being dictated by what happens in Helensburgh.

‘This change gives opportunity to review services.’ that all