Date: 31/10/2013

Calls to raise HGV speed limits on the A9 could damage plans to boost train services, says David Spaven.
I was delighted to witness the launch of the Lifting the Spirit trial whisky train service from Elgin to Grangemouth last month - a tangible example of how rail could be attracting freight away from Scotland's trunk roads.
In the longer term, the new train service has the potential to secure a significant freight modal switch away from the A95 and A9 roads on to rail services to Central Scotland. But, worryingly, moves to increase lorry speed limits on the A9 could undermine this innovative attempt to take advantage of safer and more sustainable rail freight.
Lifting the Spirit is a collaboration between big distilling companies such as Diageo and Pernod Ricard, the rail industry, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, local authorities and the European Union Foodport project to improve the logistics of food and drink distribution and to cut carbon emissions. An added incentive is that the initiative might help to cut the toll of fatalities and injuries on the A9.

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Related images

DBS 66097 brings a train of empty whisky tanks and containers into Elgin Up Loop on 13th September 2013, prior to propelling back into Elgin Yard. The movement was in connection with the next day's inaugural loaded train to Grangemouth as part of the EU-funded Lifting the Spirit project.
Location: Elgin
Company: Inverness and Aberdeen Junction Railway
13/09/2013 David Spaven

66097 runs round its train of empty whisky tanks and containers at Elgin Yard on 13th September. The platform side of the former GNoSR passenger station has seen better days, but the main building is still in splendid condition. Condemned OTA timber wagons are returning to nature on the background.
Location: Elgin East
Company: Morayshire Railway
13/09/2013 David Spaven

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Tags: x Elgin x Grangemouth x A9 x A95 x David Spaven