Rachael Hamilton demanded an apology from the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on the ongoing issue of poor performance on the Borders Railway.
At First Minister’s Questions in Holyrood, Nicola Sturgeon explained that the Scottish Government would report shortly on the Remedial Plan submitted by ScotRail; however, she failed to apologise for the situation on the Waverley Line.
During her question to Nicola Sturgeon, Ms Hamilton read out a letter from a constituent, which highlighted the stress and anxiety it causing hundreds of commuters on the line and called for the First Minister to apologise and personally oversee the Remedial Plan process to ensure that marked improvement is made.
Rachael Hamilton was not alone in raising ScotRail’s failings at First Minister’s Questions. The SNP MSP Christine Grahame turned against her party’s Transport Secretary and called for an explanation for the 'meltdown' caused by cancellations. Meanwhile, MSPs from Mid Scotland and Fife lamented at the failings on the Fife Circle, which has seen numerous delays and cancellations of late.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“I asked the First Minister for an apology to the hundreds of Borders commuters who have suffered the misery of cancellations and delays, but she couldn’t give an apology.
“The transport hell that has been caused by ScotRail’s mismanagement of our railways is nothing short of shambolic.
“I have been emailed daily about the numerous delays and overcrowding, with many constituents surprised that the train even turns up at the station!
“I, like many, are sick to the back teeth of this. I have raised these issues on numerous occasions and I sincerely hope the Remedial Plan will signal a way forward for improvement.
“I will be following developments closely, and will hold the SNP Government and ScotRail to account if the fail to sort out this mess”.