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Scotland’s Railway launches new engagement panel

Posted: 27th October 2020

Scotland’s Railway has relaunched its Stakeholder Panel as it continues to engage with the railway’s key stakeholders.

The original Stakeholder Panel was created in 2015 as part of the franchise awarded to Abellio. The Panel helps scrutinise the performance of Scotland’s Railway, as well as bring insight and challenges to its work.

The relaunch sees a brand-new membership in place, with the appointment of CBI Scotland Director Tracy Black as chair, alongside senior representatives from Scotland’s key sectors.

In keeping with Scotland’s Railway’s commitment to equality, women make up 55 per cent of the Panel’s membership.

The Panel is in addition to the regular engagement ScotRail has with businesses and organisations from a wide range of sectors.

It currently meets three times a year and will focus on a number of themes, including the decarbonisation of the railway, the contribution Scotland’s Railway can make to the economic recovery, and how the railway grows again in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alex Hynes, Managing Director, Scotland’s Railway, said:

“We’re pleased to welcome the new members to the Panel, and we look forward to constructive engagement. The support of this senior group representing a broad range of the economy and society in Scotland will better help us to understand how Scotland’s Railway needs to change to make it fit for the future.

“The importance of engaging with stakeholders, gaining valuable feedback and sharing our plans to improve Scotland’s Railway, cannot be underestimated.

“With the significant challenges that the railway faces as we continue to navigate our way through COVID-19, the input and support of our stakeholders will be absolutely vital. The work of the Panel will help to ensure we continue to work in the best interests of customers, businesses, and society.”

Tracy Black, Director, CBI Scotland and new Chair said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to be appointed as the next chair of Scotland’s Railway Stakeholder Panel and look forward to working with the group to ensure Scotland’s railway continues to deliver for customers, business and society. Infrastructure not only plays a crucial role in helping to move people and goods around Scotland, but is a key component in helping to drive productivity gains and level-up Scotland’s economy.

“Scotland’s railway can also play a vital role in our net-zero future by prioritising investment in low and zero carbon transport infrastructure. That will help deliver new green jobs when we need them most, power our post-COVID economic recovery and make huge strides towards meeting Scotland’s ambitious carbon reduction target – especially with the eyes of the world on Scotland as host of the COP26 Summit next year.”

Business Comment

Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.
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