FOR years Garl was the rather puny, unglamorous sibling of Earl, but what a difference a yearmakes. Today Edinburgh's airport rail link is back on the drawing board being cut down to size, while work is about to start on Glasgow's version.

FIRMS have been urged to bid for a GBP2.5million contract to help deliver the Glasgow Airport rail link. Contractors are needed to divert electricity, water and telephone supplies over the route from Glasgow Central.

By ALASTAIR DALTON SCOTLAND is to get dozens of new trains to help cope with the soaring number of rail passengers. First ScotRail will receive 46 electric and diesel trains over the next three years to provide more services on new and existing lines.

By Alastair Dalton DOUGLAS Kennedy suffers the daily ordeal of commuting on one of Scotland's busiest lines. He travels to Glasgow from Bridge of Allan, near Stirling, on trains that are 104 per cent full during the rush hour, according to official figures.

By STEWART PATERSON CAMPAIGNERS are calling on national transport planners to make the long-awaited Glasgow Crossrail project a priority following the publication of a new study showing potential economic benefits.