Work to reduce journey times and increase frequency of service between Glasgow and Edinburgh is ahead of schedule and key design contracts will be signed next month said First Minister Alex Salmond.

The First Minister was speaking at Glasgow's Eleventh State of the City Economy Conference where he confirmed the timing of the design contracts would accelerate construction on the next stage of the Edinburgh - Glasgow Improvements Programme.

This is a key stage in a major programme of works worth up to £1bn to increase the rail capacity between Glasgow and Edinburgh. The investment will improve train journeys for more than 15 million passengers while also reducing emissions and operating costs, further boosting sustainable economic growth.


First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Glasgow is our largest city and a core part of Scotland's economy. We are living in unprecedented and challenging economic times but the Scottish Government is committed to pulling together all our resources to the fullest extent to help protect our real economy - our households and high streets.

"This includes continued investment in our roads and railways. We must ensure we have a modern, quick and efficient transport system ready and able to deal with maximum economic activity. The Glasgow to Edinburgh train service is one of our busiest and these improvements, alongside the M74 Completion, will create more economic opportunities for Glasgow, its businesses and residents."

The First Minister believes Glasgow has vast economic potential, enduring strengths and a range of opportunities which will help reflate the local and national economy. These include the 2014 Commonwealth Games; the Clyde Windfarm, Europe's largest single windfarm development; the growing media hub at Pacific Quay; a rapidly growing life sciences base; and the £842m, entirely publicly funded, new Southern General Hospital.

"The Government has a six point economic recovery plan and our overarching priority is to increase sustainable economic growth in Scotland. Glasgow, which generates one sixth of Scotland's GDP, is fundamental to both," Mr Salmond added.

(GK/JM)