Network Rail has announced contracts worth up to £1.3bn to maintain and enhance Scotland's Railway over the next five years.

Five organisations will share the funding as part of the new Scotland Civils Framework, aimed at keeping the railway safe and reliable.

Taziker Industrial, AmcoGiffen, STORY, QTS, and VolkerRail have been awarded work, with VolkerRail securing its first major contract on Scotland's Railway.

The contracts will fund a range of projects including buildings, civils, structures, earthworks, drainage, renewals, and enhancements across Scotland.

Taziker Industrial will handle minor civils work up to £150m, while AmcoGiffen and Story will manage buildings and civils projects up to £730m.

QTS will oversee geotechnical and minor civils work up to £420m, and VolkerRail will deliver up to £150m of signalling, power and communications works.

Each contract runs for five years, with a possible three-year extension based on performance.

Liam Sumpter, managing director of Network Rail Scotland, said: "We're investing up to £1.3bn in these framework contracts to maintain and improve our infrastructure across Scotland. The awarding of these contracts will help us continue to deliver a railway that is safe and reliable for passengers and freight."

Niall McCreanor, director of specialist businesses at VolkerRail, expressed enthusiasm about their new role, stating: "We have spent considerable time building our presence in Scotland to better understand the needs of Scotland's railway, to ensure we can provide the best possible service."

Andy Steel, managing director of QTS Group, highlighted their previous successes and said: "Through CP6, our team carried out some exceptional work and helped create efficiencies which have kept Scotland's Railway moving."

John MacArthur, managing director of STORY Scotland, welcomed the opportunity to continue delivering high-quality projects and invest in apprenticeships and local communities.

Stephen Campbell, operations director at AmcoGiffen, emphasised their commitment to excellence and looked forward to strengthening their relationship with Scotland's Railway.

Network Rail said this underscores their commitment to maintaining and enhancing Scotland's railway infrastructure, ensuring its safety, reliability, and efficiency for years to come.

The contracts are expected to have a positive impact on local communities, with companies like STORY Scotland planning to recruit apprentices and graduates, as well as engage with local businesses.