A high-speed rail link to Scotland’s capital will be discussed at a meeting between the Scottish Secretary and city chiefs this week.
Edinburgh Council leader Jenny Dawe will discuss the plan with the Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore, tomorrow (Thursday).
Last week Councillor Dawe and the leader of Glasgow City Council, Gordon Matheson, updated MSPs on what is required to build the high speed rail connections to Scotland.
The Scottish Government is being encouraged to co-operate with its Westminster counterparts to ensure the country is included in the plans from the outset.
It is hoped that the present fastest time from Edinburgh to London of around four-and-a-half hours could be slashed to as little as two hours and nine minutes.
Councillor Dawe said: “This meeting is recognition of Edinburgh’s importance not just to Scotland but to the UK as a whole.
“I am grateful to the Secretary of State for taking the time to meet with me.
“The meeting will provide me with a great opportunity to promote Edinburgh’s priorities to ensure that we remain a world class city to live and visit as well as one which is attractive for investment.”
Mr Moore said: “I am keen to discuss the high speed rail link with Edinburgh Council.
“I am particularly looking forward to hearing about the way it will fit into their plans for strengthening the city’s economy and the investment opportunities that it will create.”
Staff at the City Chambers have also been invited to join the Secretary of State and the Council Leader as they observe a two minute silence to mark Armistice Day at the Edinburgh Cenotaph.
REPORT: Christine Lavelle
