Campaigners call for fast-track of rail line upgrade

Rail users across the north are being urged to pressurise the government into making good on a mothballed pledge to upgrade the tracks between Inverness and Perth.

The Scottish Greens are urging the Scottish Government to carry out improvements to the Highland Main Line which were promised more than a decade ago.

Highlands and islands members of the party have launched a campaign outlining the benefits of dualling the railway line.

They say it would improve c a p a c i ty and reduce journey times to the nor th, along with the environmental benefits of cutting down on car use.

Currently two thirds of the 118- mile stretch from Inverness to Perth remains single track and has not been electrified.

Campaigners are urging ministers to “live up to their promises” made 13 years ago by former first minister Alex Salmond to upgrade the line.

Scottish Greens lead candidate Ariane Burgess said: “It isn’t right that, in the 21st Century, it’s quicker to drive to the central belt from the Highlands than get the train.

“Meanwhile we’ve seen commitments to cut journey times by road and air, the transport modes which cause the most climate emissions. The need for improved rail connections is more urgent than ever.

“It’s time the Scottish Government lived up to its promise and improved the main rail line north.”

Supporters are being encouraged to write to transport secretary Michael Matheson calling for the upgrades to be prioritised.

It is thought dualling the line could reduce the journey time by over half an hour and greatly increase capacity.

Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie added: “It’s been 13 years since the Highlands were promised such a substantial upgrade to this vital link. This would open up the Highlands, lower transport emissions and drive freight off the A9.”

The campaign comes just seven months after experts recommended the creation of a task force to deliver “a more attractive, faster and sustainable service” which is able to compete with road travel on the A9.

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “The £57 million Highland Main Line investment has already delivered performance and resilience improvements.

“The second Strategic Transport Projects Review under way will determine the Scottish Government’s future investment priorities.”

SLOW GOING: Two thirds of the 118-mile stretch is single track and not yet electrified. Picture by Graeme Elgar, LNER.