MEP and SNP President, Ian Hudghton, has welcomed refurbishment plans for trains across the Highlands.

As part of a £9m cash injection from Transport Scotland, a fleet of class 158 trains will be upgraded to improve access and comfort. Improvements include more spacious seating arrangements, additional luggage capacity and cycle racks, as well toilet refurbishments and accessibility.

The first of these will run between: Aberdeen and Inverness; Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh; and Inverness to the far north. Similar improvements will be made to highland connections to Glasgow later in the year.

Mr Hudghton, a member of the European Parliament's Transport & Tourism Committee says:

"I am delighted that these train carriages are to be improved, which will improve the journey experience for regular passengers and tourists.

"Improving Scotland's vital transport infrastructure is at the forefront of the new Scottish Government's agenda and I am sure this will make a positive difference for travellers.

"These important rail links pass through some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland and it is essential for commuters and the tourism industry that these journeys are efficient and comfortable".