Levenmouth rail line to re-open

A disused rail line linking Levenmouth to the rest of Fife is to be re-opened.

The Scottish Government has given the project to rebuild the link the go-ahead, with an expected cost of around £70million.

A study of the region's transport concluded a rail line stopping in Leven and Cameron Bridge, along with improved bus services, cycling and walking facilities would best serve the area.

The project, which locals have been campaigning for in recent years, will now go forward to the detailed design phase - and is expected to be ready in five years

The railway has not been used as a passenger line since 1969.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:

“I am extremely pleased that the case has been made for the Levenmouth rail link and I look forward to seeing this project being taken forward to the next stages of design.

“The detailed appraisal work that has been carried out suggests that improved transport links, which give Leven a direct rail link to the capital, will lead to an enhanced local economy, bringing better access to employment and education and the potential for new investment.

"Easier and more sustainable travel options will make it easier for people to reach hospitals, schools and visit other areas of the country as well as giving better access to Levenmouth.

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work of local MSPs, elected members and interest groups who have campaigned for the reopening of this line and I look forward to working with all partners to realise all of the benefits that improved connectivity can bring."

Fife Council Co-Leader, Councillor David Ross, said: “We are delighted that the link to Levenmouth is set to reopen.

"We have relentlessly campaigned for this link that is set to increase employment opportunities, as well as improve access to education, health and leisure services.

“Fife Council is committed to improving life-chances for all, and this means providing local jobs for local people and improving connectivity and regional transport.

"The rail network is now set to be taken forward to the next stage of development, and we look forward to seeing detailed designs. We fully support this project and we will do everything that we can to bring it to fruition."

Fife’s Green MSP Mark Ruskell said: “This announcement is fantastic news for Levenmouth and the East of Fife, and credit must be given to the passionate local campaign who have effectively demonstrated the transformative impact a railway line would have on the local community.

“The report published today showed that reconnecting disadvantaged regions like Levenmouth to the rail network will have a big impact across the whole region.

"There’s also the possibility to use the line for freight and take hundreds of lorries off local roads, and I expect this to be explored more in the next feasibility stage.

“This announcement needs to just be the start of a more ambitious plan for expanding the rail network in Scotland.

"Two years ago I published a report which identified four major projects in Fife that could transform local communities, including Levenmouth.

"This announcement will give hope to those campaigning in Newburgh, St Andrews and Kincardine that the Scottish Government will look favourably on their asks to rejoin the rail network too.”

Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP Jenny Gilruth said: “After exactly 50 years since it closed, the Leven Railway will reopen under an SNP government – I could not be more proud or delighted by this news.

“This announcement has the potential to change lives and give the Levenmouth area a new lease of life. It will bring jobs, it will bring investment and it will create huge opportunities for future generations.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that the project has been given the green light by the Scottish Government. There will be lasting benefits for people across my constituency and beyond for years to come.

“Convenient, green transport links are essential for our future economy but also for getting more people on public transport as we tackle climate change.

“For local residents, for businesses, for visitors, for everyone – the impact the Levenmouth rail will have cannot go understated."