Network Rail has invested £130 million over the past two years to improve the resilience of Scotland’s railway network, marking a significant milestone in its long-term strategy to tackle the growing impacts of climate change.
The investment forms part of a wider £400 million programme running between 2024 and 2029, aimed at strengthening railway infrastructure against increasingly severe weather events, including higher temperatures, intense rainfall and more frequent storms.
At the heart of the initiative is Network Rail’s Climate Ready Plan, published in 2024, which sets out how the organisation is adapting the railway to meet future climate challenges. Alongside infrastructure upgrades, the plan focuses on improving understanding of climate risks, enabling railway teams to anticipate, prepare for and respond more effectively to extreme weather.
The programme also supports the Scottish Government’s National Adaptation Plan, which identifies climate resilience across the transport sector as a key priority.
Government Backs Resilience Investment
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."
Of the £130 million invested so far, £73 million has been allocated to earthworks and £37 million to drainage improvements, helping reduce the risks posed by flooding, landslips and other weather-related impacts.
Major Projects Across Scotland
Several high-profile resilience schemes have already been completed or are underway, including:
- £20 million on the West Coast Main Line to improve soil and rock slopes alongside drainage systems, reducing the likelihood of landslips, rockfalls and flooding.
- £2.85 million at Charleston on the Highland Main Line to upgrade drainage and strengthen earthworks, cutting flood risk and reducing operational disruption.
- £2 million at Ratho, between Glasgow and Edinburgh, to stabilise a steep rock face and reduce the danger of falling rocks reaching the railway.
- £3 million on the West Highland Line at Falls of Cruachan to reinforce a hillside following a landslip and improve long-term resilience.
- £850,000 at Old Kinaldie, between Aberdeen and Inverness, to enhance drainage and better manage increasingly heavy rainfall.
Building a Railway for the Future
Liam Sumpter, managing director of Network Rail Scotland, said:
“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.”
Beyond physical infrastructure improvements, Network Rail Scotland has launched an adaptation pathways programme that combines climate science with operational expertise to identify where future resilience investment will deliver the greatest benefits.
The organisation has also helped establish the Climate Ready Infrastructure Scotland Forum, bringing infrastructure owners and operators together to tackle shared climate challenges and improve collaboration across sectors.
Adapting to a Changing Climate
David Harkin, weather resilience and climate change adaptation strategy manager at Network Rail Scotland, added:
“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.”
As climate pressures continue to intensify, Network Rail’s investment programme demonstrates the scale of work required to protect critical transport infrastructure while ensuring Scotland’s railway remains safe, reliable and fit for future generations.
Image credits: Network Rail
