Scottish Freight Workshops Planned

The half-day events in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, are being held to give stakeholders (particularly freight operators and business users of freight) an opportunity to discuss key issues and opportunities for providing improved freight facilities.

The workshops are being organised by Scott Wilson Scotland Ltd, on behalf of Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Mary McLaughlin, Senior Director of Place, Infrastructure and Policy at Scottish Enterprise said: "Our economy depends on good quality freight and cargo networks and this research will allow us to outline our needs for the next 20 years. I would encourage key stakeholders such as operators, businesses, end-users and authorities to provide Scott Wilson Scotland Ltd with as much support as they can. Even a little assistance will help us plan for a better freight network which minimises shipping costs and improves the overall economy."

Gavin Scott, Head of Policy-Scotland, Freight Transport Association, said: "The importance of this study to the future of the freight industry in Scotland cannot be overstated. One of the main barriers to its growth is a lack of robust statistical information which can be used to inform future decisions on transport infrastructure which has historically largely been dictated by the concerns of non-freight traffic. Scotland's transport system has to be able to support both and I am sure this study will go along way to redressing that balance. "

The dates of the Workshops are:

• 12 May in Inverness
• 14 May in Aberdeen
• 21 May in Glasgow
• 22 May in Edinburgh

Any person or organisation wishing to attend any of the above Workshops should contact Dr Marwan AL-Azzawi, the consultant's Project Manager, by e-mail at marwan.al-azzawi@scottwilson.com.