Extending the high-speed rail link to Scotland 'is vital'

Date: 15/3/2010

The Scottish government has argued that the planned high-speed rail link must include Scotland.

Transport minister Stewart Stevenson commented that there would be many economic and environmental benefits to including Scotland in the high-speed rail plans.

He noted that the rail could benefit Scotland's economy by up to £20 billion.

It would also make journey times of less than three hours realistic, he added.

"The Scottish government has developed a compelling case for high-speed rail to Scotland, and it is vital that it happens. Scotland's transport future must include high-speed rail, and we will work with the UK government to help deliver it," Mr Stevenson said.

His comments follow the release of a white paper by the government last week, detailing proposed routes for a high-speed rail network.

It is unlikely work on the network will start before 2017.