Tories talk up Perth to Edinburgh rail link proposal

Scottish Conservative proposals to reopen a direct rail link between Perth and Edinburgh could help to reduce journey times between the north east and the central belt by 35 minutes, according to a Tory MSP.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith is hoping to persuade the Scottish Government to back her proposal which was debated in parliament this week.

Conservative colleague Nanette Milne MSP, who represents the North East region, said: “As a regular train user between Aberdeen and Edinburgh I know at first-hand how slow the journey is between the north east and the capital.

“It has been estimated that re-routing fast Aberdeen trains via a new line from Perth to Edinburgh has the potential not only to open up routes to the north from Edinburgh but also deliver a 35-minute reduction in the journey time from Aberdeen to Edinburgh, helping to potentially bring journey times from Aberdeen to the central belt to under two hours.”