Meeting of the Parliament 09 September 2025
Scotland’s public transport system provides a cleaner and greener alternative to the private car. It is a key enabler of growth and opportunity, and it provides vital links for people to live, learn, earn and socialise.
Scotland’s railway is at the forefront of that. The railway supports vital connections between our cities, communities and businesses, and it showcases much of what Scotland has to offer. The railway is an integral part of our nation’s economy and wellbeing, and I pay tribute to all the people who work on it.
This year marks 20 years since rail powers were devolved at executive level to the Scottish Government. That was a significant step in devolution and a key milestone that helped us to deliver the success that is Scotland’s railway. As the United Kingdom Minister for Rail, Lord Hendy, has said, Scotland’s integrated approach, which is underpinned by the alliance between ScotRail and Network Rail, has delivered a more cohesive railway system—one that has been delivered through greater integration of the management of track and train, with the whole system working together.
Today is an important moment to reflect on the achievements that Scotland’s railway has delivered on behalf of the people of Scotland. Our focus remains on delivering further improvements to encourage more people to switch from their car and to choose more sustainable journeys. By making rail services more affordable, accessible and inclusive, we are delivering on the core principles of our national transport strategy.