Plans to reduce train times between Scotland and England have taken a step forward, with feasibility studies commissioned on a number of routes.

A joint project between the UK and Scottish governments was started in 2016 with the aim of identifying areas for improvement, particularly on the East Coast and West Coast rail corridors. These included a major focus on a 3hr service between Scottish stations and London.

According to Rail Technology Magazine, phase one of the plans has been completed, leaving a shortlist of options that will be subject to feasibility studies. The East Coast line south of Dunbar towards Newcastle and the West Coast line between Glasgow and Carstairs are the main focus of these reports.

RTM says proposals are expected to identify plans to improve train journey times, capacity, resilience and reliability.

The study will also consider the potential for new stations, including in the Eurocentral business park (one of the largest industrial estates in Scotland) and one on the M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said: “I am determined for us to take the necessary steps to secure Scotland’s future and improve our connectivity with England.

"This work will give us the knowledge to make informed investments in the next 10 years and move us towards our goal of a 3hr journey time to London — and substantially reduced journey times to the cities in between.”

The First Minister confirmed hopes that new plans could reduce the journey time between Newcastle and Edinburgh by a third (to just 1hr) — and shorten times between Edinburgh, Glasgow and Carlisle.