The three downloadable reports here were commissioned by HIE in partnership with the regional transport partnership, HITRANS, and Highland Rail Partnership to inform the National Rail Strategy regarding future rail traffic growth and infrastructure requirements for the Highland rail network.

The Room for Growth reports provide a detailed examination of the current infrastructure of each of the rail lines in the region, identifies existing constraints, and various options for enhancements to support the development of both freight and passenger services.

The Highlands and Islands Rail Traffic Growth studies provide detailed modelling of passenger demand for future rail services on each of the rail lines.

Phase 1

Highlands and Islands Rail Demand Projections' forecasts future rail traffic demand based on the current service patterns. These forecasts are based on established population and economic trends plus consideration of other possible transport improvements (i.e. investment in roads).

Phase 2

'Economic Appraisal of Upgrade Options' forecasts future demand for key infrastructure options identified in the Room for Growth report, and also undetakes a cost-benefit analysis for each option. The options considered are: improving frequencies and reducing journey times on the Highland Main Line from Inverness to Edinburgh and Glasgow; reducing journey times on the Far North Line between Inverness and Thurso / Wick by construction of a Dornoch link.