S6W-25776

Asked by: Rowley, Alex (Scottish Labour - Mid Scotland and Fife)

Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-24336 by Fiona Hyslop on 30 January 2024, whether it will provide an update on what progress is being made to replace the existing High Speed Train (HST) rolling stock, in light of the reported safety concerns of their ongoing operation.

Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Minister for Transport

High Speed Trains (HSTs) meet the stringent safety requirements necessary to operate on the GB rail network.

The independent railway safety regulator confirms these trains remain safe to run, which was also confirmed by the Scottish Carmont Steering Group

Replacing the HSTs is recognised as a priority and work is underway now to identify the optimum replacement option.

Mentions:
1: Grant, Rhoda (Lab - Highlands and Islands) We are talking about the road, but the rail line is just beside the road. - Speech Link
2: Carlaw, Jackson (Con - Eastwood) In the light of all that, do members have any comments or suggestions for action? - Speech Link
3: Carlaw, Jackson (Con - Eastwood) In the light of your responses, we will pursue the actions that you have suggested. - Speech Link

Dec. 11 2023

Found: ............................................................................. 9 4.4.4 Weather and Light

S6W-27276

Asked by: Regan, Ash (Alba Party - Edinburgh Eastern)

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what preparations in relation to (a) public safety and (b) transport are being taken for the upcoming Taylor Swift concert in Edinburgh, in light of the anticipated demographic of the audience being primarily younger women.

Answered by Brown, Siobhian - Minister for Victims and Community Safety

The Taylor Swift concerts are wholly commercial events and the Scottish Government has no locus for involvement. It is the responsibility of the City of Edinburgh Council as the relevant licensing authority to oversee events of this nature, including ensuring compliance by the organisers with the appropriate public safety regulations.

Like with similar major events, security arrangements including the deployment of officers is an operational decision for Police Scotland.

Enhanced transport arrangements have been put into place across Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Trams and ScotRail services to meet the increase in demand expected over the weekend. This includes adding later trains on numerous routes and providing additional carriages on existing rail services to manage the demand. There will be enhanced staffing plans and additional British Transport Police (BTP) officers in place at key locations, as well as on board trains to ensure a safe environment for passengers traveling to and from the event.