With the roll-out of the Scottish Government’s rail electrification programme gaining momentum, we are seeing an increase in the number of clients contacting Galbraith seeking advice following approaches from Network Rail and other delivery partners.

The Government’s major investment in Scotland’s railway will partially electrify lines to provide quieter, greener and cleaner trains as part of the plan to decarbonise the passenger railway network by 2035.

We looked at the action plan in detail in issue 24, but what could the associated works mean for landowners and land managers?

We are assisting clients with approaches relating to soil sampling, ground investigation surveys, access requests and temporary construction compounds. Many traditional bridges are being replaced to ensure increased clearance to accommodate overhead wires, insulators, transformers and masts which, without careful management, could result in access to land being temporarily severed.

It is important to ensure access rights and land right terms are agreed to protect the land manager’s position from the outset, with the cost of our professional fees being met by Network Rail. We will also seek to ensure that you are adequately compensation for any reasonable losses incurred.

If you’re either a landowner or occupier who has been approached in relation to railway upgrade works, do get in touch with us.