A move for a direct rail link between Perth and Edinburgh, which could cut commuting time by at least 30 minutes, has taken a step forward, The Courier can reveal.
It has been confirmed that Scottish Government officials have held talks with representatives from Transform Scotland regarding a feasibility study the latter carried out, which involves reopening Kinross rail station as part of the proposal.
Transform Scotland claim the move to reopen the direct Perth to Edinburgh rail line would create substantial savings on journey times and allow more people to travel by train.
Liz Smith, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, is backing the move, stating that with Perth achieving city status it is “vital” it has 21st century rail links.
She has raised the issue with Keith Brown, minister for transport and veterans, who has confirmed that Government officials are in discussions with Transform Scotland about the proposal.
Last night Ms Smith told The Courier she feels it is necessary to reopen the original rail route between Perth and Scotland’s capital, after it was closed in the 1970s to allow for the building of the M90 motorway.
“The rail journey between Edinburgh and Perth will remain slow and tortuous without significant investment in the network infrastructure,” she said. “To achieve this, we need to see reinstatement of the direct fast route between Edinburgh and Perth.”
“The reopening of a direct rail link between Edinburgh and Perth could bring many benefits not only to the local economy in Perthshire and Fife but also in delivering an improved high-speed rail network north of the Central Belt. Only the reinstatement of this link will truly open up routes to the north from Edinburgh.”
Ms Smith said the move would also allow the creation of a key hub on the inter-city network at Perth and make proper use of the “iconic station.”
Mr Brown has confirmed that Scottish Government officials are “in discussions” with Transform Scotland about the move.