Transport Minister launches Scotland’s rail freight strategy

Transport Minister launched Scottish Government’s new rail freight strategy for Scotland on “Delivering the Goods”.

Transport Minister, Derek MacKay, launched the Scottish Government’s new rail freight strategy for Scotland at Aberdeen Craiginches Freight Terminal.

The document, ‘Delivering the Goods’ outlines plans that will meet the demands of modern markets, creating a competitive and sustainable rail freight sector that will provide a boost to the industry and support economic and environmental targets.

The new vision supports the rail freight sector, entering new and growing markets through four key levers of innovation, facilitation, promotion and investment. It has a range of actions to inform its delivery and critical success factors against which progress can be tracked and measured.

Calling upon the industry and business sector across Scotland and the UK, Mr Mackay said: “What became clear during this process is that there are growing challenges facing the industry, however it also revealed a definite desire to tackle them and a need to work together in order to put rail freight back onto a sustainable footing.

“By offering a range of concrete actions that will lead to increased innovation and collaboration across the industry, targeted investment in Scotland’s strategic freight network, and better promotion of the benefits of rail freight both to business and society, we can create the conditions that will allow the sector to prosper and grow.

“I am confident that this strategy will lay the necessary groundwork for creating a sustainable, high quality, highly efficient rail freight industry that Scotland needs, wants and deserves.”

The Transport Minister visited Tarmac’s depot at Aberdeen Craiginches rail freight terminal where he saw first-hand operations which will transport concrete from Dunbar to Aberdeen for use in the construction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

The new rail freight strategy has been endorsed by the Rail Freight Group (RFG), which represents users and suppliers of rail freight throughout Britain.

RFG’s Scottish Representative, David Spaven, said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s strong support for the development of rail freight in Scotland. The industry is ready to rise to the challenge, working innovatively with government – at all levels – and with our customers, both existing and potential. The more freight we can move by rail, the greater the economic and environmental benefit for Scotland.”

 

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