Transport Scotland works closely with Network Rail, and the wider industry, on a range of opportunities, plans and projects. Targeted infrastructure upgrades, network modernisation and operational enhancements can all help increase capacity for rail freight in Scotland.

Funded by Scottish Ministers Network Rail recently completed a £7 million upgrade at Mossend (which handles circa 80% of rail freight in Scotland). Additional investment of £250,000 at Mossend also increased yard entry and exit speeds from 5 to 15 miles per hour allowing freight trains to clear the line more quickly improving rail capacity.

Scotland’s rolling programme of electrification also benefits the rail freight industry as do freight specific performance and timetable measures. The rail industry is also working with the freight and logistics industry to develop a long-term plan for rail freight growth as specified by Scottish Ministers.

In addition in 2025 Scottish Ministers awarded two freight facilities grants including a grant of £3,000,000 to enable the construction of rail freight terminal near Inverness to facilitate the movement of finished goods to the UK market by rail.