The Scottish Government has set up a new Group to create opportunities for performance improvements on the Inverness to Wick and Thurso route.

The Far North Line Review Group was unveiled by Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing at the Hitrans Annual Rail Stakeholder Conference in Inverness today, 16 December. It will be lead by Director of Rail at Transport Scotland, Bill Reeve.

Mr Ewing said the Group's purpose is to identify timetable improvements and works, such as those at level crossings at Lairg, Brora and Rovie, as well as finding opportunities to use existing funds to improve passenger facilities, such as waiting rooms and shelters, between 2017 – 2019.

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In addition, the Group will examine infrastructure options for the government's next investment period between 2019 – 2024.

"The Scottish Government is determined to improve overall performance on our longest rural railway line and it is imperative we look at options to achieve that," Mr Ewing said.

"It is essential we make the most of this important asset for passengers, for sustainable freight transport, and for the communities and businesses along the whole route.

"We are all grateful for the commitment and work carried out so far, but I want the personal assurance that collectively we are doing all we can to improve performance on this route."

(LM/CD)