Scottish government refreshes rail decarbonisation plan

This progress includes the electrification of 23km of track, six new stations coming into operation, and the electrified £140 million East Kilbride line, which will be opened in December 2025.

The new plan acknowledges the challenges of the post-Covid landscape and the notable impact it had on previous decarbonisation commitments, while outlining how new trains and fleet renewal will be a key part of making rail more affordable and attractive for passengers.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, who published the plan, said: “This plan comes at a critical time for Scotland’s railway, particularly as two thirds of ScotRail’s passenger trains are approaching the end of their usable life. Our strategy recognises the need to replace our trains in order to sustain the resilience and reliability of our rail services, which is essential to encourage more people to make sustainable travel choices.”

Changes to train fleets will be carried out strategically and certain routes will be prioritised over others based on a set of criteria; including patronage, linking towns and cities, freight opportunities, and driving economic growth.

Alexandra Herdman, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK, said: “The rail industry plays a very important part in this nation’s logistics and keeping goods moving. Much of the progress so far has benefitted passenger rail. To support the rail freight sector and to support Scottish government’s rail freight growth target, much more needs to be done. This includes reinstating the mode shift revenue support (MSRS) grant, investing in gauge clearance, route upgrades and electrification to key ports is imperative.

“It is vital that the logistics sector works together to promote rail freight adoption among new businesses, but also that the government continues to invest into rail electrification, to support a sustainable and efficient future for freight.”