Rail Freight Development Group welcomes upgrade announcement

Today’s (Wed, May 10) announcement by Transport Minister Tavish Scott that a contract has been awarded to upgrade the rail line for freight between Elgin and the Central Belt, via Aberdeen, has been warmly welcomed by the North East Scotland Rail Freight Development Group (NESRFDG).

The work will allow larger, modern containers to reach the North-east by train. Commenting, the chairman of the NESRFDG, Aberdeenshire Councillor Martin Ford, said: “This is excellent news. The upgrade will deliver significant environmental and economic benefits.

“With the award of the contract for the work, the rail industry and freight customers will now be able to plan with confidence.

“The upgrade of the line is definitely going ahead and we look forward to more freight being able to travel to and from the North-east by rail.”

The NESRFDG worked closely with the Scottish Executive, rail industry and freight operators to develop this scheme, which secured Ministerial approval in October 2005.