Communities in Fife are celebrating the opening of the new Levenmouth railway, following a ceremony led by First Minister John Swinney.
The £116 million Levenmouth Rail Link will reconnect Leven and Cameron Bridge to the Scottish railway network for the first time in over 50 years, with 37 services a day linking the two new stations with Edinburgh Waverley.
The project delivers 19 new single-track kilometres and over one kilometre of active travel bridges and routes to connect communities to the new stations
The investment into the rail link represents a large part of the Scottish Government’s sustainable transport programme, which has also seen increased funding for local bus services. The project was delivered by ScotRail and Network Rail.
Services on the new route will enhance connectivity for local communities and provide access to greater education, entertainment and employment opportunities.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Many people have long waited for the return of rail service to Levenmouth and I am delighted to be part of the open celebrations.
“By improving access to leisure, economic, employment and educational opportunities, alongside improving the connectivity to and from the area for residents, visitors and businesses, this rail link will help transform the lives of families and young people in the area.”
The Levenmouth Rail Campaign (LMRC) group also played a significant role in driving the project’s completion.
Dr Allen Armstrong, chair of the LMRC, said: "The fact that disadvantaged Levenmouth – in decline for over five decades since mining, docks and railways closed and where social capital and civic engagement is not that strong - was able to mount an intensive community-led campaign which played such an important role in achieving its main objective, well-supported by Council and elected representatives, has been a source of both surprise and pride.
"Levenmouth is back on the map and regeneration prospects aided by other project in the pipeline are brighter now."
The line will carry its first passenger trains this Sunday with stops at Leven and Cameron Bridge included on the new National Rail Timetable.
Image credit: iStock
