Rail consultation on Highland Council agenda

20th November 2011

At the meeting of The Highland Council's TEC Services Committee last week, Members had an early opportunity to discuss the Scottish Government consultation on rail services that was announced two days ago.

Although a full response to the 80 page consultation will be considered by the TECS Committee in January, the chairman, Councillor John Laing, welcomed the opportunity today to raise this important issue for the Highlands with members.

He said: "As a section of the consultation directly relates to the current Caledonian Sleeper service which operates to Inverness and Fort William I felt it was important that we give a clear message to Highland communities that we are on the case. Between now and the closing date we will have an in-depth look at all the current Highland rail services and take the time to prepare a very full and well thought out measured response which will aim to protect and enhance the rail services in the Highlands."

The detailed response to the consultation will be presented to Members on the TECs Committee on 19 January and then forwarded to the Scottish Government before the closing date of the 20 February 2011.