High-speed rail move hailed

EDINBURGH Southern MSP Jim Eadie has welcomed the announcement by Transport Minister Keith Brown of a new Scotland-wide partnership aimed at ensuring that a high-speed rail link is brought to Scotland.

The partnership will press the business case for the extension of the link to Scotland and look at terminus locations in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Mr Eadie said: “The case for a high-speed rail link between Scotland and London is undeniable, with studies showing that the economic benefits could be worth £25 billion to the Scottish economy.

“The current plans set out by the Labour government and then picked up by the Tories to halt the line in the Midlands would leave Scotland with a second-class service, attacking our economy and costing jobs.

“This new partnership will speak with one united voice to tell the UK Government that they can no longer ignore Scotland and that high-speed rail is a must. I hope local authorities, both Edinburgh and Glasgow, all parties and business will give it their enthusiastic backing.”