LISTEN: Abellio Pledges Highland Rail Improvements

The new operator of the Scotrail franchise says it's confident about delivering improvements to the north's railways.

Abellio made the pledge at a meeting with stakeholders in Inverness today.

More than 50 rail users, politicians, council representatives and business people gathered for talks with Abellio, who from 1 April, take over the ScotRail franchise for the next 10 years. The event was organised by the regional transport body, HITRANS.

HITRANS Vice-Chairman, Councillor Thomas Prag, The Highland Council, welcomed guests to the briefing.

Councillor Prag said: “HITRANS are delighted to welcome Abellio to the Highlands. We very much look forward to working with them over the next 10 years to maintain the significant growth in rail travel in the Highlands. "We have worked effectively with the current operators, First Group, in attracting investment to the Highland rail network and I have every confidence we will enjoy the same excellent working relationship with Abellio. “In particular, we look forward to faster, more frequent and more comfortable trains being introduced on Highland services.

"Over the past 10 years we have seen a 57% growth in the use of rail services from Inverness and the very welcome reopening of the railway station at Conon Bridge.

"We will work closely with Abellio to ensure that the Highland community will benefit from improved rail services that will not only boost tourism but help people get more easily to work and to further education.” He introduced Mike Kean, UK Rail Development Director at Abellio, to present the company's plans for the ScotRail operation, focusing on the Highlands. Mr Kean said: “We welcome the opportunity that HITRANS have given us to present on our future plans for ScotRail and how they relate to the Highlands.

MFR Reporter Derek Ferguson speaks with Mike Kean about the take over of the Scotrail franchise...

"We view the Highlands as an integral part of Scotland’s national railway as well as a key player in the Scottish economy.

"During our bid for ScotRail we worked closely with HITRANS and I’m pleased that much of what I present this morning is consistent with the aspirations of their stakeholders.”