Eagle calls for an extension to the Highland sleeper service
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A LOCAL MSP has urged the Scottish Government to get on board with an extension to the Highland sleeper service to London and new connections to the West Highland Line.
Highlands and Islands MSP Tim Eagle spoke at a parliamentary debate brought forward by the Scottish Conservatives and colleague Liam Kerr MSP on rail infrastructure, making the case for improved services throughout the region.
He outlined his disappointment at the outcomes of the Scottish Government’s Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (STPR2), which will inform investment in Scotland for the next 20 years by providing evidence-based recommendations to base future transport decisions on.
Mr Eagle went on to say that the lack of Scottish Government investment in rail infrastructure across the Highlands and Islands was contributing to concerning levels of depopulation and voiced his support for improvements to be made to address the issue.
He also called for improved rail connectivity between Oban and London through the introduction of a sleeper service.
At the Scottish Parliament, Mr Eagle said: “Many communities across the Highlands and Islands Region are witnessing alarming rates of depopulation, in part because of a lack of investment in such infrastructure.
“This issue is affecting all parts of my region, and more investment is needed.”
“Disappointingly, none of the suggestions made it to the final recommendations in the STPR2.
“No new stations. No new lines.
“The Highlands and Islands needs more train stations, but it also needs wider investment across the board on infrastructure, especially if we are to tackle the real issues of rural depopulation.”
