The boss of Glasgow Airport has called on the Scottish Government to consider alternative measures to improve access to airport if the proposed rail link is axed.

Amanda McMillan has written to all MSPs ahead of Holyrood's budget vote saying she was worried that by dropping the £300m rail project "a gaping hole" in road and rail access to an economic hub of "national importance" would be left.

In her letter the Managing Director said: "If the Glasgow Airport Rail Link (GARL) is to be cancelled, it is essential the Scottish government considers other measures to improve access to Glasgow Airport, and safeguard resources to ensure these improvements can be delivered.

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"The cancellation of GARL cannot be an end to the matter. A serious challenge remains - how to ensure continued access to an asset on which our nation's economy depends. Doing nothing is simply not an option."

A Scottish government spokesman said that despite these Westminster cuts they remain committed to delivering policies and infrastructure that will make a "significant contribution to this country's sustainable economic growth".

They are currently identifying enhancements to Glasgow's transport infrastructure to improve connections across the city.

"we look forward to continuing our working relationship with the airport owner to deliver these aims," he said.

It was intended that the rail link would be opened in time for the Commonwealth Games.

(GK/BMcC)