The Scottish government has announced £25 million investment in freight

Credit: Transport Scotland - Matheson Michael

The Scottish government has pledged to invest £25 million into rail freight over the next five years, in a bid to strengthen the industry. 

The fund is open to rail freight industry partners, including Network Rail and Transport Scotland, to submit proposals for improvements, and innovative ideas which meet the objectives from the Scottish government.

Scottish Transport Secretary, Michael Matheson, said: “This government has a strong track record of support for rail freight which we are committed to taking forward over the next five-year funding period. We know that rail freight and modal shift to rail reduces road congestion, improves air quality, and reduces emissions.

“Rail freight services are vital to sustainable economic growth across Scotland. This fund will support the development and delivery of strategic rail freight projects which improve capacity and capability. It aims to build on and complement our existing and future investment in Scotland’s railways.”

Paul McMahon, Managing Director of freight and national passenger operators at Network Rail, commented: “Over the next five years we’ve committed to working with our industry partners to get new traffic onto Scotland’s rails and today’s announcement is welcome. We understand that Network Rail is vital to supporting freight growth, but this will only be realised by working in partnership with the wider industry.”

Maggie Simpson, Director General of the Rail Freight Group, added: “This commitment from Scottish government is welcome news for the rail freight industry and will allow vital upgrades to Scotland’s railways, unlocking capacity and capability for new services. This is good news for freight customers, for the Scottish economy and for the environment.”