A RAIL union leader has issued a call to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to demonstrate Scotland’s green credentials by making rail travel free throughout Cop26.

TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes has written to Ms Sturgeon urging her to make life as easy as possible for Glaswegians as tens of thousands of delegates flock to the city next week. 

The call came as petrol prices across Britain hit a record high, and road closures for the conference look set to cause chaos and disruption around Glasgow.

The TSSA said showcasing Scotland’s rail network will help ensure it recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Mr Cortes said: “This is a simple win for Scotland. Cop26 will focus minds on cleaner, greener energy, so what better time to offer commuters and visitors to Scotland free travel on our cleanest and greenest form of travel?

“Once people have given our fantastic Scottish rail network a try for Cop26, and seen the benefits of quick, clean and green transport they’ll surely be encouraged to stick with rail.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Free travel for delegates was a decision made by the UK Government as part of their agreement with the UN to host bid for the conference in the UK. As such, unfortunately the Scottish Government is unable to extend this free travel provision outwith those attending the conference site.”