MEDIA RELEASE Embargoed until 1030 hours on Wednesday 14 December 2011 SCC WELCOMES PUBLICATION OF NEW BUSINESS CASE

FOR SCOTTISH HIGH SPEED RAIL Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) have this morning (Wednesday 14 December 2011) welcomed the publication of Fast Track Scotland, the business case for bringing High Speed Rail to Scotland. SCC played a key role in working with Transport Scotland to develop this important milestone in the campaign to ensure that Scotland benefits fully from the next generation of the UKs transport infrastructure. Commenting, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of SCC, said: Fast Track Scotland sets out in clear and unambiguous terms the economic windfall that the development of High Speed Rail could bring to Scotland. As the UK moves towards a rapid, resilient and sustainable rail network for the 21st century, it is vital that Scotland is included from the outset. Last week, the Scottish Government set out a route map towards Scottish High Speed Rail which offered a realistic assessment of how and when it can be delivered. This week, we aim to set out why High Speed Rail is necessary and underline the strong support for it amongst the Scottish business community. The ball is now squarely in the court of the UK government and we are seeking a clear signal that they are prepared to work alongside the Scottish Government to deliver this essential infrastructure project. A vital first step will be for the Transport Secretary to expand the remit of HS2 Ltd - the body currently planning the UK High Speed Rail network - to include the potential routes north of Manchester and Leeds. We fully support the UK Governments plans to get High Speed Rail moving between London and the West Midlands and now we must look for a similar commitment from them towards planning for the Scottish end of the network. Ends.