LABOUR CANDIDATE DISAPPOINTED BY LACK OF PLANS FOR THE FAR NORTH LINE

25th February 2015

Scottish Labour candidate John Erskine has expressed his disappointment at the lack of planned improvements for the Far North Line by new Scotrail franchise operator Abellio who will run the franchise from April 1st.

Mr Erskine, who is contesting the seat of Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, expressed this disappointment after he attend a stakeholder engagement meeting hosted by Abellio and HITRANS, where a presentation by Abellio ScotRail bid director Mike Kean was given followed by questions. The meeting was also attended by representatives from rail user groups, local business interests and Councillors.

Mr Erskine said:"Abellio presented their plans for the franchise today in Inverness and what was clear was that the Far North Line once again was an afterthought.

"Whilst I welcome plans by Abellio to improve the Far North Line for tourist users, through improved window seating and the installation of tourism ambassadors onboard and a commitment to capitalising on further tourist investment through the use of steam trains to Dunrobin, for the ordinary train user on the far north line there was little to celebrate."

"Local people are more than aware that there are serious issues with our line. Yet I am failing to see anything substantial that will address the problems of trains failing to turn up, regularly running late or anything to shorten the journey. The Far North Line needs real investment. I will work with my Labour colleagues to continue to push for these improvements and I am arranging a meeting with Abellio to make this case in person. "

"The Scottish Government have struck a deal that once again is more beneficial to the central belt cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and have failed to deliver for rural and remote areas in the far north."

"In the meantime, I would encourage as many local people as possible to sign my petition calling for improvements. It can be found at www.change.org/p/scotrail-abellio-to-make-improvements-to-the-far-north-line. We need to send a message to both Abellio and the Scottish Government that we will not be forgotten about."