ScotRail gets on track for review of advertising business

ScotRail has started the statutory review of its advertising account, estimated at 1m and held by the Leith Agency.

It is one of the largest train operating companies formed after British Rail’s move towards privatisation. It runs nearly 95 per cent of passenger services in Scotland and sleeper services to and from London. Various bids to run the ScotRail franchise are under consideration, including one from management and staff.

The review will be completed next April, by which time ScotRail could be in the private sector.

Mike Ashton, ScotRail marketing manager, says: “It is at an early stage. There is no shortlist yet.”

He says the Leith Agency will be invited to repitch and praises its award-winning work, which has covered TV, press and posters. The agency was appointed in April last year.

ScotRail was recently awarded Marketing Campaign of the Year by the Scottish Tourist Board for the second year running.