Far North Express writers often feel that we are repeating the same thing over and over again. At a time when it is explicit Scottish Government policy for there to be modal shift from road to rail for freight and passengers, we are still having to point out that with limited money available it is essential to have a modal shift of investment priorities too.

As reported elsewhere in this issue, Kate Forbes, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, whilst expressing full support for investment in Highland railways at our conference, said she still wishes to have both the road and rail improvements done at the same time. Even that would be better than the current scenario on the Highland Main Line where there is virtually no investment in speed or capacity while the parallel road is being dualled. The current work on the A9 is planned to cost more than 60 times the amount spent in the last few years on HML improvements.

Much of David's letter could have been written today, 48 years later. Governments seem to be able to change their policies, but not their actions.