NETWORK Rail has announced that it has now invested £130 million over the last two years in strengthening Scotland’s railway against extreme weather.
The work delivered thus far forms part of a wider £400 programme which got underway in 2024 and will conclude in 2029.
The £130 million investment includes £73 million on earthworks and £37 million on drainage. £20 million was invested in the West Coast Mainline to proactively improve soil slopes rock slopes, and drainage systems on earthworks – reducing the risk of landslips, rockfalls, and flood events.
Elsewhere, £2.85 million was spent on the Highland Mainline to install improved drainage and strengthen earthworks; £2m between Glasgow and Edinburgh to make a steep rock face beside the line at Ratho safer; £3 million on the West Highland Line to strengthen a hillside above the railway at Falls of Cruachan following a landslip; and £850,000 between Aberdeen and Inverness to help the railway cope with heavier rainfall.
The progress comes as the railway faces increasingly challenging conditions – with higher temperatures, more unpredictable rainfall, and frequent severe weather.
Network Rail’s climate ready plan, published in 2024, explains how the railway is adapting to these challenges. As well as funding improvements to infrastructure, the plan aims to build understanding of climate risks, helping teams better anticipate, prepare for and manage the effects of severe weather.
Scottish Government cabinet secretary for economy, tourism, and transport Stephen Flynn, said, “I welcome Network Rail’s continued investment to strengthen and future-proof our railways against the growing challenges posed by extreme weather and climate change.
“The services provided by Scotland’s rail network are critical, keeping Scotland moving by allowing passengers and freight to move safely. It is vital we build a rail network which is resilient to reduce disruption and protect communities.
“This funding, part of the Scottish Government’s £400m programme of investment, will help ensure we are prepared for the growing impact of climate change on the transport network, which has become a year-round challenge.”
Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland MD, added, “Rail is central to Scotland’s economy and to the communities it connects every day. Our focus is on building a railway that people can continue to depend on and encourages more passengers and freight companies to choose rail with confidence.
“That means looking ahead and making the right long-term decisions now. By continuing to invest in resilience, we’re supporting sustainable growth and helping ensure the railway remains a reliable choice for the future.”
Alongside infrastructure improvements, Network Rail Scotland launched an adaptation pathways programme that combines the latest weather and climate science with the practical expertise of railway teams to identify where future resilience investment will have the greatest impact.
Network Rail Scotland also co-founded the Climate Ready Infrastructure Scotland Forum, bringing infrastructure owners and operators together to address the shared challenges of a changing climate.
David Harkin, weather resilience and climate change adaptation strategy manager at Network Rail Scotland, commented, “We see first hand the impact severe weather can have on the railway. In truth, our railway was built for a climate that no longer exists, and careful planning and action are required to manage that challenge.
“Our role is to understand those risks in detail and make informed decisions that reduce disruption and improve safety. This work is continuous and is essential if we’re to stay ahead of the challenges the railway faces today.”
