MP demands timetable for new Highland trains
An MP has demanded a timeline for the replacement or refurbishment of ScotRail’s ’old’, ’cold’ and ’dirty’ trains on the West Highland Line, after a journey he described as an "embarrassing advert" for the Highlands and Scotland’s national rail operator.
"Locals and tourists alike are being left to shiver in filthy, poorly maintained carriages on one of Scotland’s flagship routes," Angus MacDonald, MP for Inverness, Skye & West Ross-shire, told The Oban Times. "It’s simply not good enough.
"I’m calling on ScotRail to set out exactly how and when they will put this right by providing a clear timeline for improvements and guarantee that basic standards of warmth, cleanliness and facilities are met on every journey.”
Earlier this winter, Mr MacDonald wrote to ScotRail’s managing director Joanne Maguire to express his "deep dissatisfaction with the condition of the 17:37 ScotRail service from Fort William to Glasgow Queen Street on Sunday 19 October".
He said: "The state of the train was disgraceful. The carriage was filthy, with trashed carpets, littered interiors, and generally poor maintenance.
"It was full of visitors — many clearly international tourists — as well as Highland residents returning home. What an utterly embarrassing advert for the Highlands and for Scotland’s national rail operator.
"I find it unacceptable that this is the standard of service being provided on the West Highland Line, one of Scotland’s flagship routes. It gives a dreadful impression to visitors and does a disservice to local communities who rely on this vital transport link.
"I hope this was an isolated incident, but conversations since my journey suggest otherwise — that this level of neglect and poor presentation is far from uncommon.
"I therefore ask that you: personally investigate the condition of rolling stock used on the Fort William to Glasgow route; identify the causes of the poor standards of cleanliness and maintenance; implement an immediate plan for improvement, with clear accountability; and establish a robust monitoring regime to ensure such conditions cannot recur."
In ScotRail’s reply, customer operations director Phil Campbell apologised for the "disappointing" journey. He explained: "On this occasion, an earlier train had to return to Fort William due to poor rail adhesion because of leaves on the tracks.
"This meant that around 200 passengers required alternative transport, and the station staff were busy engaging with our Control and Customer Information teams to arrange rail replacement buses for customers. As such, they were not able to tidy trains which had returned, as the station is mostly single-manned.
"During the school holidays, services tend to be much busier, which can unfortunately result in more litter being left by travelling passengers. At the end of each day, all trains undergo a full clean to ensure they are prepared for the next day’s service.
"The Scottish Government has given us permission to proceed with the procurement of new trains for our intercity and suburban routes. The fleet currently in use on the West Highland Line forms part of the ongoing new suburban fleet procurement."
However, Mr MacDonald responded: "Unfortunately, the reply did not address the core concerns raised in my original letter, nor the wider issues that have been highlighted publicly.
"[Media] outlets have reported extensive testimony from passengers describing freezing temperatures on West Highland Line services, with some feeling compelled to travel with hot-water bottles, multiple layers of clothing, or even to abandon the train altogether in favour of alternative transport.
"Given the growing volume of evidence that the West Highland Line is falling significantly below acceptable standards, I must therefore ask again:
"What immediate actions will ScotRail take to ensure carriages on this route are warm, clean, and properly maintained?
"What steps will be taken to guarantee adequate food, drink, and functioning toilet facilities on what can be journeys of more than five hours?
"What is the specific timeline for the replacement or refurbishment of the rolling stock currently used on the West Highland Line?
"What measures will be introduced to prevent the conditions described from recurring?
"Passengers on the West Highland Line deserve a clear, credible plan for improvement - and they deserve it now."
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