Scottish agents have welcomed news of a proposed high-speed rail link between London and Scotland.
Network Rail outlined plans yesterday for a £34 billion rail link from London to Glasgow and Edinburgh via Birmingham, Manchester, Warrington, Liverpool and Preston.
With trains running at 200 miles per hour, the journey time between Glasgow and London would be as little as two hours and 16 minutes.
The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) had previously voiced concern that the rail link would be used as an excuse to cut flights between London and Scotland.
However, SPAA spokesman Sandy MacPherson said: “It is a bit early for us to know what effect it will have, but I think it will be good for the industry. It makes rail a more viable alternative to flying.
“My only concern would be that it will not help business travellers commuting to London from Aberdeen or Inverness. Also the structure of rail fares is far too complicated at the moment so that will have to be looked at.”
Barrhead Travel director Mark Brock agreed the link was a positive move. “This is good news for everyone concerned. We sell rail tickets and will certainly be capitalising on this when the time comes.
“I don’t think it means flights will be cut – airlines will have to find new ways of improving their offering.”
National Rail said it could take up to five years to plan the precise route and complete the planning stages. Before it can go ahead, the new line must be approved by ministers.