Musk’s Starlink to provide internet on rural trains in Scotland

Elon Musk’s Starlink will provide internet access for trains in the far north of Scotland, it has been announced.

The world’s richest man, who has drawn criticism from a number of figures in Scotland over his political stances in recent years, uses his company SpaceX to operate a series of low-earth orbit satellites.

As part of a six-month trial, the network will be used to provide connectivity for six trains between Inverness and Thurso, Wick, Kyle of Lochalsh and Aberdeen.

The initiative is part of a partnership between ScotRail and the Bathgate-based Clarus Networks – a reseller of Starlink equipment.

The connections will provide customer Wi-Fi as well as GPS tracking of trains and live CCTV.

If successful, the pilot – backed by the Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Futures Trust – could be rolled out along other rural rail routes across Scotland.

Responding to the announcement, business minister Richard Lochhead said: “This technology is set to be a boost for Highland commuters and visitors, improving access to digital services.

“It will enable passengers to access services and apps that will make their journeys more enjoyable and more productive.

“As set out in last week’s programme for government, the Scottish Government places great emphasis on digital connectivity.

“It supports Scotland’s economic resilience and helps everyone, regardless of location, to access improved public services and opportunities.”

ScotRail strategy and planning director Scott Prentice added: “There has been a lot of hard work by our staff and our partner, Clarus Networks, to get to this point, and I am looking forward to seeing how customers interact with the new technology on our trains.

“The project addresses the long-standing challenges we’ve had for train connectivity in the region, and we hope it will lead to a future roll-out of the technology across other rural routes in Scotland.”

Controversial Tesla owner Musk has come in for criticism by some at the highest levels of Scottish politics, including First Minister John Swinney, who described comments made by Musk about safeguarding minister Jess Phillips – calling her a “rape genocide apologist” – as “reprehensible”.

Musk has also publicly clashed with Swinney’s predecessor Humza Yousaf.