Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 09 September 2025
09 Sep 2025 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Scotland’s Railway (20 Years)
We recognise the previous work on the EGIP and the recommendations on the Almond chord. Electrification is taking place, particularly between Haymarket and Dalmeny. I saw that in person last Friday when I travelled to Fife to announce electrification in the Fife area.
This week, we celebrate 10 years since the reopening of the Borders railway line, which had been closed for nearly 50 years. The reopening has transformed the economy and attractiveness of the local area and improved lives.
Last year, we opened the Levenmouth rail link, with Leven, Cameron Bridge and their active travel network finally reconnected to Scotland’s rail network through direct services to Edinburgh via Kirkcaldy. In May, ScotRail introduced a second train each hour via Dunfermline and the wider Fife network in order to provide additional journey opportunities.
I know that, during the debate, we will hear ambitious calls for more stations—as we already have done—and for more lines. I doubt that I will be able to address them all in my closing speech, but I will try.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)
LD
The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-18763, in the name of Fiona Hyslop, on 20 years of Scotland’s railway providing a strong platform for the...
The Cabinet Secretary for Transport (Fiona Hyslop)
SNP
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 provi...
Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD)
LD
While the cabinet secretary is talking about improvements, will she give an update on when she plans to give some positive news about the new rail developmen...
Fiona Hyslop
SNP
I did, indeed, have a very good visit to Newburgh, where I heard the passion of the community. I have made it clear to my officials that I would like their a...
Sue Webber (Lothian) (Con)
Con
You have mentioned lines from east to west, but will you comment on the need for the Almond chord in order to revitalise and bring back to life the lemon of ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
Always speak through the chair.
Fiona Hyslop
SNP
We recognise the previous work on the EGIP and the recommendations on the Almond chord. Electrification is taking place, particularly between Haymarket and D...
Paul Sweeney (Glasgow) (Lab)
Lab
Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention?
Fiona Hyslop
SNP
I want to move on just now. It has now been three years since the Scottish Government took the decision to end the Abellio ScotRail franchise, and it has be...
Jamie Greene (West Scotland) (LD)
LD
If the cabinet secretary has time, I will briefly intervene and say that, with devolution comes fiscal responsibility. The cost of upgrading the tracks and o...
Fiona Hyslop
SNP
We already fund Network Rail’s responsibilities with £1.5 billion as part of control period 7. That is already part of our budget. The issue with rail reform...
Paul Sweeney
Lab
Does the cabinet secretary also recognise the importance of rail and rolling stock maintenance in Scotland? In particular, does she welcome the reopening by ...
Fiona Hyslop
SNP
I welcome that. Part of rail’s role in the economy is to help the supply chain, and it is important that the jobs and the welcome, continued investment from ...
Sue Webber (Lothian) (Con)
Con
I think that we can all agree on the importance of rail to the Scottish economy and Scottish business, such as in the transportation of whisky and fresh prod...
Fiona Hyslop
SNP
Will the member give way?
Sue Webber
Con
Not at the moment. That fact is one of the reasons why so many people are reluctant to get back to office working, and that decision has a direct correlatio...
Fiona Hyslop
SNP
I note the terms of the Conservative amendment. Does Sue Webber recognise that, if what her amendment sets out had been the policy in the past, it would have...
Sue Webber
Con
This is part and parcel of today’s debate. The motion that the SNP has lodged looks back. I want to look forward to the future. Winchburgh is a perfect exam...
Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab)
Lab
I am pleased to open the debate for Scottish Labour as we mark 20 years since the devolution of rail powers and recognise the progress that has been made on ...
Fiona Hyslop
SNP
Will the member give way?
Claire Baker
Lab
I will, briefly.
Fiona Hyslop
SNP
Does the member acknowledge that Covid caused disruption for all rail operators, but that ScotRail is one of the fastest-growing operators with regard to pas...
Claire Baker
Lab
I started my speech by saying that I recognise the successes, that I believe that taking ScotRail into public ownership was the right thing to do and that it...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
Thank you, Ms Baker. I advise the chamber that we have exhausted all the time in hand that we had. I call Mark Ruskell. 15:38
Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green)
Green
I thank the Scottish Government for giving us the opportunity to acknowledge the progress that has been made in the devolution era to restore our railways an...
Fiona Hyslop
SNP
Is the member aware that ScotRail has already declassified its first-class carriages on most commuter routes? For example, services between Dunblane and Edin...
Mark Ruskell
Green
I am very much aware of that, because I regularly sit in such seats when I travel from Stirling. However, the reality is that, on some of the busiest routes,...
Jamie Greene (West Scotland) (LD)
LD
I was rather surprised when I saw that the Scottish Government had pencilled in a debate on railways in Government time. It is about time. Over the years, we...
Fiona Hyslop
SNP
Will the member take an intervention?
Jamie Greene
LD
I do not have much time, unfortunately. Abellio posted a £65 million loss in the year just before the Covid pandemic, and we all know that Serco lost nearly...