A report which will provide more detail about possible route options for HS2 in Scotland will be published by the end of the year, Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown has announced.
The study was commissioned following the publication of the Fast Track Scotland report, which highlighted the significant benefits high-speed rail would bring to Scotland.
Brown said that another announcement will likely follow in February 2016 to set out “the next steps” to getting fast trains beyond the border.
Transport Scotland is envisaging a Y-shaped high-speed network which will create extra capacity between Edinburgh and Glasgow, connecting to HS2.
Speaking ahead of his address at the Greengauge 21 high-speed rail conference in Glasgow today (September 3), Mr Brown said: “The Scottish Government has long made the case, with support and strong advocacy from Scotland’s civic and business communities, that we must be fully included in any plans for high-speed rail.”
The conference did raise some concerns. For example, if the rolling stock procured for HS2 does not tilt, the time savings created by the additional speed will be lost on the conventional lines.
Brown added: “Effective transport connections are vital in ensuring we allow business to compete and grow, and high-speed rail for Scotland represents a significant advancement in our world-class public transport networks.
“This long-awaited and important study will furnish us with feasible route options and is a welcome development, putting our campaign to bring high-speed rail to Scotland back on the fast track.”
Additional reporting by David Shirres
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