Welsh Calls for Major Investment in the Far North Railway Line

Steve Welsh has called for substantial investment in the Far North Line — the railway connecting Inverness to Thurso and Wick — arguing that the service's current limitations are a brake on the constituency's economic and social development. The Far North Line is one of the most scenic railways in Europe but also one of the most vulnerable, subject to weather disruptions, track closures, and service gaps that leave communities without a reliable rail connection for extended periods. Journey times of over four hours from Inverness to Wick on a 168-mile route reflect decades of under-investment in track upgrades and rolling stock. 'The Far North Line should be a lifeline for this constituency — for commuters, for NHS workers, for tourists, for freight,' said Mr Welsh. 'Instead, it is a fragile service that residents cannot fully rely on.' He called for a dedicated Far North Line investment programme covering track improvements, station upgrades, increased service frequency, and better integration with bus connections at key stations including Tain, Golspie, and Helmsdale. He also raised the need for improved digital connectivity on the rail corridor to support remote workers travelling by train. 'Investing in the Far North Line is not just about trains — it is about whether these communities remain viable places to live and work.'