Scotland's Transportation

Scotland has a well-developed transport system, that is control by the Scottish Parliament (policy), Scottish Government’s enterprise (network), Transport and Lifelong learning Department (network) and Transport Scotland (Executive Agency).

Water Transportation

Scotland is made up of several hundred islands, so water transportation is crucial for Scotland’s economy and people. Transportation such as ferries is especially crucial for those living in remote communities. Scotland has ports in the North Atlantic Ocean and in the North Sea. The port of Edinburgh, also known as the port of Leith, is Scotland’s largest port. It is also the original harbor, which dates back to the 14^th century.

Despite the successful ports, Scotland never had an extensive canal network. A few were opened, but declined due to the growth of railways. Forth and Clyde Canal, Union Canal and the Caledonian Canal are being reopened for leisure use.

Scotland has an extensive list of ports and harbors located all through the country (they are a part of the UK, not quite independent, yet). They have so many ports, that the Ports of Scotland publishes an annual yearbook, which is a comprehensive reference book.

Land transportation

                  Scotland’s railway infrastructure is shared between passenger and freight services. Network Rail owns the railway network. Services are provided under franchises awarded by the government. The current holder of the Scottish franchise is First ScotRail. Transport Scotland is an agency that oversees the regulation of railways in Scotland. Only 29% of the rail network in Scotland is electrified and many trains are being run on diesel. Scotland currently has no trams systems; there is a proposal for an Edinburgh Tram Network, which is planned to enter operation in 2014. Glasgow also plans for a light rail network. Glasgow is the only city with an underground system.

                  Scotland’s economy is dependent on cost effective and efficient movement of freight. The freight industry plays a significant role in the transportation of fresh food and other commodities. The Executive and Transport Scotland developed Freight Scotland, a web portal that provides specific information on the relevance of the freight industry in Scotland.

                  Scotland’s extensive railway network uses cross country links and connections to England. The local commuter links to the major cities, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. There are many cross border services offered in Scotland.

Scotland has an extensive road network through the country. The motorway network is concentrated in the Central Belt, also known as the Midlands. The main routes are M8, M74, M9, M90/A90 road, M80, M77/A77 road, A1 road, A9 road, and A82 road. Beware, the traffic in Glasgow.

Air transportation

                  Scotland does not have a national airline. The Highlands and Islands Airports limited operate ten small airports, which are primarily used for short distances and public service.

Scotland has four international airports operating to Europe, North America, Asia, England and Wales.

• Edinburgh Airport – busiest, serves many European business destinations
• Glasgow International Airport – operates a lot of European charter flights and international flights to the United States, Canada and Dubai.
• Aberdeen Airport – operates many domestic and international flights. They offer many chartered services.
• Glasgow Prestwick International Airport – serves as the “Scottish hub of low cost airline.”