A study which will look into delivering a west Fife rail link has been hailed as a “big step” toward passenger services linking Dunfermline and Glasgow.
Fife Council has commissioned consultation firm Capita to undertake what has been described as a strategic transport pre-appraisal on the rail line and other transport options following the closure of Longannet Power Station in March 2016.
The study, which has been sparked after £30,000 of funding was made available, will “assess the implications on the multi modal transport network” of Longannet’s closure and will provide the framework for a wider look at travel in the area more generally — including road, rail, active travel and journeys over the Firth of Forth.
Capita is now seeking views from local stakeholders on what they consider the key multi modal transport issues to be locally, although campaigners have taken news of the study as a hugely encouraging sign.
Douglas Chapman MP and Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP both met transport minister Humza Yousef at the Scottish Parliament last month to discuss the topic and have been buoyed by the latest developments.
Mr Chapman said: “We discussed the development of the existing coal train line that runs from Dunfermline to Longannet.
“The retention of this line is a key part of our transport infrastructure.
“It would also breathe new life into the west Fife villages.
“This substantial commitment from the Scottish Government to carry out a full study into the feasibility of a rail link being delivered is a big step in the right direction.”
His views have been echoed by Ms Somerville, who said she is pleased that the Scottish Government is committed to opening up new rail links across Scotland — including in west Fife.
“The Scottish Government has already taken decisive action following the closure of Longannet by investing £2.7million in regeneration projects in west Fife, and the contribution of £30,000 to a transport appraisal for the area is good for businesses and commuters,” she commented.
“This investment shows that the Scottish Government is committed to communities in West Fife, and now we need confirmation from Fife Council that they will take forward the conclusions of the transport appraisal.”
Research to help inform the study is expected to start on Monday and will continue until January 27, with key stakeholders being asked a series of questions.
Answers to these, according to documents seen by The Courier, will help “shape the future direction of the Longannet site”.
