McDonald attacks Peattie on Transport Voting Record

Grangemouth SNP Councillor Angus MacDonald has hit back at claims by Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie that residents of the district will lose out from the scrapping of the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link (EARL).

Responding to comments made by the MSP that that decision to drop the EARL scheme is bad for her constituents Cllr MacDonald said that the move will benefit the people of Falkirk East much more than approving the EARL link would have, by allowing the electrification of the Glasgow to Edinburgh main line.
Councillor MacDonald commented:

"The move to scrap the EARL scheme is a victory for common sense. Using recent examples, the EARL scheme would have rocketed to a cost of £1 billion by the time of completion. Some of that money will now be used to provide an overland 'loop' to Edinburgh Airport and will allow the electrification of the Glasgow to Edinburgh main line, which is obviously of greater benefit locally than a grandiose 'white elephant' scheme burrowing under runways and creating yet another commercial shopping mall."

Cllr MacDonald continued:

"It should go without saying that we must improve the basic transport infrastructure in the region first and foremost, following years of neglect and mis-management by successive Labour and Conservative governments. The electrification of the main line between Glasgow and Edinburgh (via Falkirk and Polmont) will also see improved rolling stock and extra capacity, creating a high quality 21st century public transport system in the heart of Central Scotland.

"Cathy Peattie has previously voted in favour of EARL and the Edinburgh Tram System, which together could have reached a total cost of £1.5 billion. Her time would be better spent ensuring that funding is forthcoming for the Avon Gorge upgrade and improvements to the transport infrastructure in and around Grangemouth. Her constituents are now entitled to ask which area Mrs Peattie is more interested in - Edinburgh West or Falkirk East!"