Anas Sarwar promises to build new Glasgow Airport rail link if elected

Anas Sarwar made the commitment on Monday, reviving a long-discussed infrastructure project that was shelved in 2009 during the early years of SNP Government.

The scheme was cancelled by then-Finance Secretary John Swinney due to financial pressures following the global economic crash.

Scottish Labour leader has promised to build a rail link connecting to Glasgow Airport if they win the next election. (Image: PA)

In the years since, the idea has resurfaced as part of the proposed Clyde Metro scheme, a major transport project aimed at improving connectivity across Glasgow and surrounding areas.

Anas Sarwar said: "For almost two decades, the SNP has wasted public money and kicked the can down the road on development of a Glasgow Airport rail link.

"In doing so, they have not only squandered millions of pounds of taxpayers’ cash, they have squandered the economic opportunities that such a project could bring.

"Most modern cities across Europe have a rail link to their main airports, and it is bizarre that Glasgow should still not have one in 2026, despite plans having been discussed nearly 20 years ago."

Scottish Labour said the creation of the link would be a "national priority".

Generic image of railway tracks (Image: Johannes Plenio/Unsplash)

He continued:  "A Scottish Labour government under my leadership would back the development of a rail link once and for all, ending the delay and wasteful spending of the SNP.

"We would ensure that new transport projects are integrated into the existing system, as part of our wider plans to change communities in and around Glasgow.

"In just over two months’ time, the people of Scotland will have the opportunity to turn the page on decades of SNP failure and choose a new direction with Scottish Labour."

The Clyde Metro scheme, which includes the airport rail link as part of its early plans, aims to deliver a wider network of improved transport connections for Glasgow and neighbouring regions.