Fresh calls to push for a high-speed rail link to Scotland have been made to the re-elected London Mayor.
Transport Minister Keith Brown has written to Boris Johnson and 54 newly-elected council chiefs in northern England urging them to attend a meeting to discuss the benefits of a UK-wide network.
A high-speed rail link could cut up to two hours from journeys between Glasgow and London, but the line is only due to link London and Birmingham in its first phase.
Mr Brown said: "There is no better way for these new council leaders to prove they are progressive and working for the future of their local areas than to show their support for a high-speed rail line which would benefit the whole of the UK.
"I have issued this invitation to show that Scotland is more than capable of taking the lead on innovation and partnership working, and because most local authorities north of London have already voiced their support for our proposals.
"I would hope that Mr Johnson will also see how London can only realise the full potential of high-speed rail when it connects all the way to Scotland."
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