Scotland is vying for detailed consideration of an extension of the HS2 line, listing the many benefits that it would bring, economically and environmentally to the UK.

Again, this is another example of different areas wanting ‘in’ on the plans. For every campaigner defiantly opposing the plans, there is a businessman desperate to be involved.

Connecting major cities via fast rail links will undoubtedly be beneficial for the economy. In the case of Scotland, there is an additional case for arguing that it would reduce domestic flights, thus saving carbon.

Yet the question remains; do these benefits outweigh the costs? Regardless of the huge incentives to extend the line to Scotland, is this something that the Government could feasibly afford?

It may also take research slightly more independent than that produced by the ‘Scottish Partnership Group for High Speed Rail’. The bias is evident in the name, and any results from this group will always stack the favour behind HS2 for Scotland.

We have been shown the benefits; perhaps it is time to measure these against the costs, in an impartial way.

Image c Images_of_Money