MSP issues plea over Ross-shire rail reliability

RELIABILITY issues and a lack of investment are hampering the rail network in Ross-shire’s ability to capitalise on growing passenger demand, an MSP has warned.

Kate Forbes, who represents Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has called for greater investment after annual passenger figures revealed mixed fortunes for some stations amid a general rise in overall use.

Passenger numbers at a number of Ross-shire stations have risen in the past year, with the likes of Dingwall (six per cent) and Kyle (four per cent) among the big winners.

But commuter villages like Beauly and Conon Bridge posted drops of around 2.5 per cent – amid continuing complaints over train cancellations or services failing to stop when attempting to claw back lost time.

And campaigners have been pressing for years for the reintroduction of a section of double track at Lentran between Clachnaharry swing bridge and Beauly station to tackle the issue.

Ms Forbes said: “Public transport needs to be reliable, comfortable and regular. If we want to increase these figures more, ScotRail need to provide more reliable services and a better timetable on the north Highland line – especially for those commuting for work.”

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