S6W-32792

Asked by: Kerr, Liam (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party - North East Scotland)

Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether the provision for rail services in its draft Budget 2025-26 contains anything for new stations at Cove and Newtonhill, in light of the reportedly large number of positive respondents to a local petition on this matter.

Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Cabinet Secretary for Transport

There is currently no provision in the draft Budget 2025-26 for new stations at Cove and Newtonhill, as we are awaiting the formal investment case being conducted by Nestrans to conclude.

Rail proposals are considered by Transport Scotland subject to a robust business case being demonstrated in line with Scottish Transport Analysis Guide (Scot-TAG) | Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) | Transport Scotland and Guidance on the development of Business Cases - March 2016 | Transport Scotland, as well as other Scottish Government priorities, our rail investment strategy and affordability.

In recognition of calls from the interested parties, Nestrans previously received Scottish Government funding to undertake the initial stages of the Aberdeen to Laurencekirk Multi-Modal Study | Nestrans. This is now funded by them and they are using STAG for the appraisal of options to improve opportunities for travel by all modes between Aberdeen and Laurencekirk. The appraisal is considering multi-modal transport options, including options for buses and rail stations at Cove and Newtonhill. This work is nearing completion and Transport Scotland will consider its findings once received.

S6W-35211

Asked by: Sweeney, Paul (Scottish Labour - Glasgow)

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what the estimated capital cost is to fully dual track the East Kilbride line as part of Clyde Metro.

Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Cabinet Secretary for Transport

The Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), published in 2022, was supported by a transport appraisal which included a concept network for Clyde Metro. Given STPR2 was a strategic assessment, the assessment of Clyde Metro, and all other options, was at a relatively high level, with a possible light rail connection between the city centre and East Kilbride, as shown in the recommendation appraisal summary table.

This option is separate from the existing heavy rail connection to East Kilbride and therefore no assessment was made of rail double tracking under the transport appraisal.

The ongoing stage of the development process for Clyde Metro, known as the Case for Investment, is being led by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), supported by Glasgow City Council, with Transport Scotland providing a project assurance role. This key stage, which will inform decisions around network selection, phasing and implementation is well underway and is currently anticipated to be complete by mid-2027.

Further details on the Case for Investment stage of Clyde Metro can be obtained by contacting SPT directly at [email protected].

The Scottish Government is currently progressing the East Kilbride Enhancement Project. This will deliver electrification of the route, a relocated station at Hairmyres, a new accessible station at East Kilbride, accessibility works at other stations and a 1.4km extension of the existing Hairmyres double track section to enhance operational resilience and service flexibility. This project represents a further commitment from this Government in contributing to our wider net zero objectives and will enable the introduction of electric services on the route from December 2025.

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Found: rail services to West Wales (i.e. west of Swansea).

Found: place to continue the work of the Session 5 CPG on Cycling, Walking & Buses and the Session 5 CPG on Rail