Lobby group calls for Dornoch Bridge rail link to be reconsidered

A rail lobby group is urging Highland politicians to get behind the push for a 45 minute short cut on the far north line.

Railfuture Scotland believes the newly started work underway on the 35 mile Edinburgh-Galashiels/Tweedbank section of Borders line shows what a well-orchestrated local campaign can achieve.

The group has been prominent in pushing the merits of a rail spur over the Dornoch Firth.

Research officer Ken Sutherland yesterday said the need for the improvement in the Borders is similar to the long-mooted one at the opposite end of the country.

He said: “The campaigners should be congratulated on their vision to achieve the line's logical extension to Carlisle and main line route south to England.

“There is a strong parallel to be drawn with the Dornoch rail link plan.

“It is key to a faster, more competitive route meeting the needs and expectations of the 21st century, which the current circuitous route signally fails to do.”

Mr Sutherland said strong support for the 27 mile short-cut was elicited in a recent survey carried out by the Dornoch Rail Action Group.

It found 90% of respondents would be more likely to travel by train between Caithness and Inverness if the journey was shortened by 45 minutes.

Mr Sutherland said the firth crossing would also enable the transfer of heavy-bulk, long-distance freight off the A9.

He said: “I’d urge politicians to join campaigners in Caithness and East Sutherland in championing the benefits of this scheme with the same level of vision and purpose as is now evident within the Borders.”