Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 22 April 2025
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the timetable for electrification of the Barrhead to Kilmarnock rail line and the associated upgrading of the rolling stock serving that line.
Electrification remains an option for the entire line from Glasgow Central to Carlisle via Kilmarnock, however no timescale has been established for the decarbonisation of this route, including the section from Barrhead to Kilmarnock. Electrification of the northern section of this route from Glasgow Central to Barrhead Line was successfully completed in December 2023.
Future rolling stock options for the Glasgow to Carlisle via Kilmarnock route, including Barrhead to Kilmarnock, will be considered by ScotRail as part of the option selection process for decarbonisation of the route, subject to relevant appraisal processes and available budgets.