Bachand replied that the projects, such as the construction of route 167, are not solely based on Stornoway and that these developments are necessary.

FORBES: Plan Nord: Parti Quebecois, Liberal Party Candidates Clash On Quebec's Mineral Resources

He also added that Stornoway is paying a portion of the construction of the route, which has opened up jobs for local native communities.

FORBES: Plan Nord: Parti Quebecois, Liberal Party Candidates Clash On Quebec's Mineral Resources

The contract includes detailed design and construction works for the route between Edinburgh and Tweedbank.

BBC: Borders to Edinburgh rail route main contractor agreed