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Perth to Edinburgh rail link campaign branded ‘completely mad’

A campaign to re-establish the disused railway line from Perth to Edinburgh has been criticised by a Kinross-shire councillor.
A campaign to re-establish the disused railway line from Perth to Edinburgh has been criticised by a Kinross-shire councillor.

Houses will have to be demolished to make way for a proposed rail link between Perth and Edinburgh, according to a Kinross-shire councillor.

Lib Dem Willie Robertson insists a campaign for the reinstatement of a direct line from the Fair City to the capital is “completely mad”.

The link was severed in the seventies when Kinross station closed to make way for the M90 motorway but Conservative MSP Liz Smith wants to see it restored.

Mr Robertson said: “Those who propose this new line will, I am sure, have an idea the route the railway is likely to take between Bridge of Earn and Cowdenbeath. I would like to know what that route is.

“If it is planned to follow the route of the old railway line closed by Beeching then many people, including residents of Milnathort and Kinross, are going to have their homes demolished, as they have been built on or near it.

“If another route is proposed, again, I am sure it can’t be built without lots of people losing their homes. There would also be a huge amount of disruption to the lives of all who live on or near the route.

“I don’t think it is fair to create uncertainty and worry for residents and land owners.”

Mr Robertson has demanded that Liz Smith reveals the route, adding: “If it is just a pipe dream, which I think it is, then let her say so.”

The Conservative MSP said: “I am very much aware of the engineering and cost implications. To date I have held discussion on this with both Transform Scotland and the Scottish Government.”

The Courier understands that the Conservatives will call on the SNP-led Scottish Government to instruct a new independent feasibility study.

Politicians will also debate the issue at a parliamentary session at Holyrood on Wednesday.

Liz Smith added: “I am pleased to have secured the Members Debate on Wednesday when I hope to allow for a cross-party debate on the issue.”

Mr Robertson said: “Most people who know the route of the former railway line think the idea of trying to reopen it is completely mad.”