IT will be interesting to see what type of rolling stock is introduced on the West Highland Line to fulfill the promise of "scenic trains" on the route ("A wizard idea, but ‘scenic trains’ fail to make it into the real world", The Herald, August 12).
In pursuit of this it is my understanding that Transport Scotland requires ScotRail to replace the current Class 156 units used on the route with equally-elderly air-conditioned (when it works) Class 158 units, which will hardly improve the customer experience, given the latter's smaller windows which will reduce visibility from the trains. The Class 158 units have considerably fewer seats than the Class 156s so will do nothing to reduce overcrowding given that the busiest trains on the route already run at the maximum permitted number of coaches. It is proposed to attach single-car Class 153 units to some services to convey bicycles and large pieces of luggage.
If any other type of trains are introduced on the route the timetable would require to be rewritten as the Class 153, 156 and 158 trains are permitted to operate at a considerably higher maximum speed over lengthy sections of the route, therefore the introduction of a loco-hauled-type service could only be considered as a specially timed once-a-day trip in either direction leaving the current rolling stock to maintain the basic timetable. This happens on the Borders Railway where loco-hauled trains run to Tweedbank on some Sundays. There is no line capacity to run them on other days of the week without cancelling regular services.
What is really required is the introduction of a new type of rolling stock with large deep windows to allow passengers to view the maximum amount of scenery. This was what was done in Switzerland where trains specially built for the route operate between Berne and Brig via the scenic Kander Valley.
Ian Harrison, Glasgow G3.
A reason for flagging sales?
AS someone who served in our armed forces, but believes Scotland should be self-governing (other options being delusional), I agree with Alan Simpson about the ludicrous fuss surrounding flags ("Union flag on our food? Get over it", The Herald, August 15). If some company wants to label its products as British rather than Scottish, for commercial or political reasons, then let it get on with it.
I would just point out, that “Scottish” as a brand, is no miniscule label, but stands, world-wide, for the best quality of produce on this planet: salmon, beef, whisky, knitwear – you name it. “Made in Scotland” is a step up in branding, and is second to none for international name recognition. Why anyone would wish to divorce themselves from this is a genuine puzzle.
Also, anyone who has been to England in the last few years, will have noticed the burgeoning use of the flag of St George on products. It would be ironic if companies abandoned their “Scottish” labels, but then lost sales because consumers in England now see “English” as their home-grown preference.
GR Weir, Ochiltree.
Home truths
I HAVE absolutely no problem with school children demonstrating about climate change, but I would be much more impressed if these were to be held on Saturdays or other school holidays ("Pupils told they will be allowed just one climate strike day", The Herald, August 15). I feel school days are for learning and there are few enough of them in the school year now.
I would also be more impressed if these same children were refusing to go on holidays in the sun, via cheap flights – judging from the number on our flights they most certainly were not staycationing.
CA Macdonald, Troon.
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