08.08.19
Scottish Government approve £75m Levenmouth rail link
A rail link to the Levenmouth area has been approved by the Scottish Government, as part of a £75m investment plan announced this morning.
The link will feature stops in Leven and Cameron Bridge, linking the east of Fife with Edinburgh and Dundee. Improved bus services are also set to be part of the plan.
Passenger travel ceased on the line in 1969 and it is hoped that the new, revived rail link will provide tourism and employment opportunities to the Levenmouth area within the next five years.
Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP Jenny Gilruth said: “After exactly 50 years the Leven Railway will reopen under an SNP Government – I could not be prouder. My constituency is going to be re-connected to the Fife Circle and to Scotland.
READ MORE: Scottish ministers reveal new 10-year rail investment strategy
“I hope we can reflect on how truly significant today’s announcement really is.
“I would like to thank the Cabinet Secretary for his commitment to Leven’s Railway; he’ll know how much this means to me as I never missed an opportunity to make the case to him directly.
“The people of Levenmouth will now expect action – and who could blame them after half a century. I will be watching closely to ensure that Fife Council and Transport Scotland now work to take Leven’s railway forward at pace. This is a great day for Levenmouth.”
Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance, whose constituency includes Buckhaven and Methil, paid tribute to the work of the Levenmouth rail campaign, who have continually championed the reopening of the line.
Mr Torrance added: “Absolutely incredible news today from [Scottish transport secretary] Michael Matheson, that Levenmouth will finally be reconnected to the rail network.
“This will bring huge potential to the area, not only allowing residents in the area to travel out of the area for employment, education and leisure, but will also bring huge economic potential for investment and tourism within the area with the backing of a good reliable public transport system.
“Credit must be given to the incredible work of the Levenmouth rail campaign. hey have continually kept the rail link as a high profile campaign at the forefront of the transport agenda.
“It is testament to their determination that despite multiple setbacks and years of campaigning they persevered to this moment today.”
The project will now go forward to the detailed design phase with initial estimates of construction and preparations costs of around £70m. Mr Matheson also committed an additional £5m to a Levenmouth Blueprint fund available to partners to maximise the benefits of the Scottish Government investment in the area.