The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Worries that faster train links have hit the buffers
Letter: Business chiefs write to minister to express concerns and anger
Business chiefs have said north-east firms are “highly concerned” about a lack of progress on speeding up rail links between Aberdeen and the central belt.
The frustration over a £200 million Scottish Government pledge to shorten journey times was spelt out in a letter to Holyrood from Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Russell Borthwick.
The latter wrote to Finance Secretary Derek Mackay seeking “clarity” on a key part of the City Region Deal signed in 2016 and estimated to be worth £826m over 10 years.
In his letter, Mr Borthwick said: “Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, its 1,200 members and other key regional partners are highly concerned about the lack of specific and concrete progress with the major element of this – the commitment to investing £200m to enable faster rail journey times from the north-east to the central belt.
“In fact, there are reports that plans are afoot to divert this to other projects elsewhere in the country.
“Very often, it feels our region is at the back of the queue to receive support for such infrastructure projects, despite our strong track record of demonstrating return on such investment.”
Mr Borthwick said recent meetings with train operators had “reinforced” support for railway infrastructure investment.
He added: “We are aware an options appraisal report is due this month.
“It is our belief this should be the trigger for reprioritising this matter and agreeing a specific timeline for delivery.
“The chamber is keen to play an active role in delivering on the pledges made to improve rail connectivity in the region and would be happy to coordinate a meeting of key partners if this would be helpful.”
Mr Mackay and his communications team at Holyrood did not immediately respond to a request for a response.
Council leaders have previously derided “slow progress” on rail improvements south of Aberdeen, while entrepreneur Sir Ian Wood, chairman of Opportunity North East, said the works were taking “a hell of a long time”.
Transport Scotland has insisted the improvements will be delivered within the planned timescale.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “There are no such plans to divert funds and no decision has been taken.
“Consultants commissioned by the Aberdeen to Central Belt Reference Group have recently completed the data gathering phase of work and are now focusing on producing a report detailing options to 10-year improve connectivity and journey times along the entire length of the route.
“Transport Scotland expects the final report this summer and the proposed options will then be considered by the reference group and presented to ministers before a decision is made on progress towards delivery.
“The Scottish Government is determined to improve journey times.”