Our Supporters
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"The re-opening of the Airdrie-Bathgate rail line will bring great benefits to local residents. This ambitious public transport initiative will give people living in West Lothian direct rail access to Scotland’s two major cities. West Lothian is Scotland’s fastest growing area and the re-opening of the Airdrie-Bathgate rail line will help boost the economy of our local communities. We look forward to trains once again running along this route for the first time in 50 years. I feel confident it will prove popular with the traveling public."
Alex Linkston, CEO, West Lothian Council
"I believe the rail link will provide many economic benefits for the community of Scotland. As well as this it will also provide an eco friendly alternative to taking the car or bus and due to the rail being electrically powered it will be an added feature to the UK transport network without the environmental damages."
Dave Anderson, Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian
"As a chamber of commerce we believe the new and improved transport links between West Lothian and both Edinburgh and Glasgow will provide more economical and social benefits to the Scottish community. I also believe the project has been communicated to stakeholders well."
Dave McDougall, West Lothian Chamber of Commerce
"As a Chamber of Commerce we believe that the improved transport links will help develop the local economy. Anything that can be done to open up the labour supply pool for Scottish businesses is particularly welcome. As well as this the service will be both fast and reliable and will hopefully help cut congestion on the M8."
Douglas Millar, Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce
"The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce welcomes the Airdrie Bathgate Rail Link Project as we believe it will join up the dots with regards to the Scottish and UK transport network. The renewal of a neglected part of our landscape will aid economic and leisure opportunities for local people and reduce impacts from travel footprint."
Graham Bell, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
"Across the whole of Great Britain we face the challenge of providing a world-class railway for our customers, building on the success of existing services and delivering improvements to the network. Major enhancements like the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Links like the Airdrie Bathgate Rail Link are vital to achieving that aim and I’m excited to see such progress being made."
Iain Coucher, CEO Network Rail
"SCDI views this project as an important addition to the Scottish transport network to allow better linkages east-west across the Central Belt and to support the growing development of the Edinburgh-Glasgow city region. It is a great opportunity for increased access to job as well as other services available throughout the Scottish community."
Iain Duff, The Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI)
"The re-opening of the Airdrie-Bathgate rail link will help with the regeneration of the Bathgate/Armadale area of West Lothian. It will also provide a direct rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow for communities on the west side of West Lothian. The communication of the project to both the public and stakeholders has been second to none."
Ian Kyle, West Lothian Council
"Sustrans supports the rail line as a new sustainable transport resource. We feel it will give communities a new option to the motor car for journeys."
John Lauder, Sustran Scotland
"I am pleased that progress continues to be made in the delivery of the Airdrie Bathgate rail line. When it’s complete, this rail line will open up a range of opportunities. For he first time, young people from Airdrie and the surrounding villages will be able to consider using public transport to attend colleges and universities in West Lothian and Edinburgh. In addition, a significant number of employment opportunities will become much more accessible."
Karen Whitefield, MSP for Airdrie and Shotts
"SEL supports the project. With over 20,000 people travelling out of Lanarkshire on a daily basis the rail link will be welcomed. The rail link will also play an important function in achieving the following key objectives: Growing Businesses, Skills & Learning and Global Connections."
Pamela Woodburn, Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire (SEL)
"The rail link is going to be a key asset in opening up Central Scotland as travel-to-work areas for both Edinburgh and Glasgow. It will provide huge expansion in capacity and journey flexibility for Edinburgh-Glasgow travel."
Patrick Hutton, Capital Rail Action Group
"TRANSform Scotland supports the Airdrie to Bathgate Rail Link as we believe that it will provide a high quality public transport alternative to the car in central Scotland. With the increasing threat of climate change and uncertainty over the long term security of oil supplies it is essential that Scotland invests in low carbon transport modes. We welcome this addition to the rail network and the electrification of the whole route."
Paul Tetlaw, TRANSform Scotland
"I am delighted this work is progressing well. This project will connect communities in North Lanarkshire and West Lothian with employment, education and leisure opportunities in Edinburgh and Glasgow. It will provide a real alternative to the M8. And the early works on the Bathgate branch will improve reliability of this popular commuter service. I am watching its progress with interest."
Stewart Stevenson, MSP Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change