Holyrood is calling on Westminster to extend the proposed high-speed rail network into Scotland.

A two-day conference takes place today and Tuesday at Glasgow's Grand Central railway hotel.

Scottish politicians are to join representatives from the north of England, business leaders from London, rail industry experts and Scottish civil representatives to make the case.

Currently, the high-speed line from London is due to stop at Manchester and Leeds.

It is thought extending the line would reduce the journey time between London and Glasgow by two hours and could benefit the country by £24.8bn.

Transport Minister Keith Brown is expected to meet with Westminster Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin to discuss the proposals.


Meetings will be held by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Mr Brown, while speakers including Network Rail Scotland boss David Simpson, James Alexander from the Scottish Council for Development and Industry and David Hodges from the London Chamber of Commerce will also be present.

Keith Brown said: "This event will see many English local authorities join with us here in Scotland to show their support for a high-speed rail line which would benefit the whole of the UK.

"The Scottish Government looks forward to a future where Scotland stands on its own two feet as a nation, fully connected with its neighbouring communities.

"High-speed rail will play a huge part in that and sits squarely with this Government's two defining policy objectives: to increase the rate of Scotland's economic growth, and to develop a low-carbon economy which leads the world in its ambition.

"Scotland is more than capable of taking the lead on innovation and partnership working and local authorities north of London have already voiced their support for our proposals. This will offer an opportunity to see how we can work together to have all our voices heard."

(IT)