Dave Thompson MSP

SKYE, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson has urged Highland residents and businesses to use the current consultation on options for the future of rail services to press for improvements.

Despite a number of scare stories about a dramatic reduction of services, Mr Thompson was clear that the Rail 2014 consultation by Transport Scotland also held out the possibility of an improved service. “It is up to us all to unite and make a strong case for improvements to our rail network,” said Mr Thompson.

“There must be no diminution of service and it is important that everyone with an interest in ensuring adequate transport links between the Highlands and the rest of the country takes this opportunity to make their views known.

“I was involved in the campaign when the Highland Chieftain was recently threatened and that succeeded because we had strong cross-party support so I hope we can work together again to ensure this consultation results in an improvement to services.”