SEStran will host a major seminar next Thursday exploring the important role which regional transportation projects play in boosting the economy. ‘Transport for Regional Growth’ takes place on 5 November at the Royal College of Surgeons on Hill Square in Edinburgh.

 

Scottish Transport Minister Derek Mackay will deliver a keynote speech and delegates will then hear from professionals involved in shaping policy and delivering major infrastructure across all modes of transportation.

 

The event is organised by SEStran, the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership and the delegate rate to attend is £120. To find out more and to book your place click here.

 

Speakers at the seminar are set to include the University of Glasgow’s professor of public policy and governance Iain Docherty, Transport Scotland's project manager for the Forth Replacement Crossing Lawrence Shackman and SEStran’s strategy advisor John Saunders.

 

The day will feature sessions giving the industry perspective on rail, air, shipping, road, bus, sustainable transport and walking. Views will also be offered on the best mechanisms to fund transportation initiatives.

 

Further speakers will include representatives from the Rail Freight Group, Edinburgh Airport, Forth Ports, the Road Haulage Association, Confederation of Passenger Transport, Cycling Scotland and Living Streets Scotland.

 

The Scottish Council for Development & Industry's director of policy Gareth Williams is to offer the business view on funding for regional transport, Keith Winter from Fife Council will talk about the Edinburgh City Region Deal and the Scottish Futures Trust's infrastructure director Tony Rose will discuss alternative sources of finance.

 

A closing keynote address from former CIHT President and future transport thinker George Hazel will round off the day’s proceedings, before SEStrans’ chair Councillor Russell Imrie provides closing remarks.

 

SEStran partnership director Alex Macaulay said that now was a very good time to be debating the issue of regional transportation projects supporting economic growth. He said: “Budgets are currently being discussed by Central Government and the Scottish Government and local authorities are doing good work and have much best practice to share.”

 

But, he added: “We don't believe that regional transport priorities are getting the full attention they deserve, so we will be discussing the benefit they play throughout the day.”

 

Mr Macaulay explained that transportation schemes north of the border which span more than one local authority need to be given a boost and for the role they play in helping the Scottish economy to grow to be given more prominence.

 

(Photo: SEStran)