Less than one percent of north east rail investment from city deal has been spent
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A £200million project to revolutionise a north east main line rail has received less than one percent of what was first promised 13 years ago, it has emerged.
In 2008, the then SNP government said it would invest £200m on rail infrastructure upgrades to speed up trips between Aberdeen and Edinburgh by 20 minutes.
This commitment was re-announced in 2016 as part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal, however Holyrood questions by north east MSP Liam Kerr have revealed that only £1.68m has actually been spent.
Scottish Conservative shadow transport secretary, Mr Kerr said: "Speeding up journeys between Aberdeen and the Central Belt was promised for so long, it looks like Ministers have entirely forgotten about it, but it was a key part of the Aberdeen region city deal.
"A 20minute reduction in journey times was pledged and this was meant to herald a speedy and more modern service for north east travellers and visitors.
"Less than a tenth of the money has been spent, and we appear to be no further forward.
"I want to know whether that has been abandoned entirely...and if so, have the SNP spent the money elsewhere?"
