An initiative aimed at harnessing the rail network for the benefit of the Perthshire economy has been launched with Derek Mackay, Minister for Transport and Islands, formally unveiling the Strathallan Community Rail Partnership (CRP).
The venue chosen for the announcement was Gleneagles Station, which benefitted from a £7 million upgrade funded by the Scottish Government, Tactran and Perth and Kinross Council.
The new partnership, funded by Transport Scotland and Abellio ScotRail, aims to foster greater community engagement between the railway, the public and local business along the Bridge of Allan to Gleneagles corridor.
The public will be able to have their say on the way ahead at two forthcoming meetings on January 19 in the Aytoun Hall, Auchterarder, and February 9 at Honeyman Hall, Bridge of Allan Parish Church.
Mr Mackay said: “The Scottish Government’s Community Rail Partnership model has previously been shown to be effective in bringing about positive developments for local communities, including heightened public engagement in the railways, creation of viable and sustainable uses for station buildings and promoting integrated transport links.
“I am certain that this will be vital in building on the previous £7m investment at Gleneagles Station that facilitated the successful delivery of last year’s Ryder Cup and bid to host the 2019 Solheim Cup and bring about ongoing positive impacts to the region and wider economy.”
This Community Rail Partnership was described at the launch as “a key milestone in the Scottish Government’s commitment to encourage and facilitate deeper community engagement in the rail network across Scotland”.
Phil Verster, managing director of the ScotRail Alliance, said: “Our vision of connecting Scotland, growing the railway and growing the economy is embodied in the new Strathallan Community Rail Partnership, which links a number of communities in the area.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Strathallan CRP and to encourage even more people to use the train.”
Mr Roger Brickell, chairman of the Strathallan CRP who lives in Crieff, said: “I am delighted CRP status has been conferred and look forward to our members driving community involvement in our local railway line and stations.
“Working together in partnership will achieve positive outcomes and it is hoped more visitors will travel into the area.
“A steering group formed in November last year will now take forward an action plan and also launch a recruitment drive for more members at two public meetings.”