SCOTRAIL's new director outlined his plans for an expanded,

user-friendly Scottish rail service yesterday, including a future for

rural lines, increased services between Glasgow and Edinburgh and a

clutch of new routes.

Addressing a press conference in Glasgow, Mr Chris Green said that

despite political and funding uncertainties ScotRail was on track to

become an independent rail operator, offering commuters a comprehensive,

professional and dependable service across the country.

His plans include:

* A train every 15 minutes between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

* An hourly service between Aberdeen and Inverness.

* Strategies to tackle overcrowding on routes between Fife and

Edinburgh.

* More trains with more carriages across the Forth Bridge.

* The introduction of a service between Stirling and Alloa.

* Development of the tourism potential of rural lines.

''We are absolutely committed to the railways for Scotland,'' said Mr

Green.

''We believe they have a growing future as part of the backbone of

Scotland.''

Asked if remote lines would have a future under the new organisation,

he replied: ''Personally, I would answer yes. I think the rural lines in

Scotland are unusual, they are a key part of the Scottish tourism

operation . . . I think

we are world-class in the

operation of rural rail

ways.''