High-speed train line could see Tayside and Fife’s direct link to London cut

Proposals to scrap the direct rail line that links Tayside and Fife with London would be “disastrous” for the local economy, it has been claimed.

The UK Government has refused to commit to keeping the popular route if its flagship high-speed rail extension goes ahead, simply saying “decisions on future services will be taken nearer the time”.

A document produced by HS2 suggests that cuts would come to the East Coast mainline services which “run north of Edinburgh only”, meaning travellers from Tayside and Fife would no longer have a three-times daily through service to London.

SNP Treasury spokesman Stewart Hosie MP blasted the decision and challenged Prime Minister David Cameron to rule out any such move when he brings the UK cabinet to the north east next week.

Mr Hosie said: “This would be disastrous for people and businesses in Grampian, Tayside and Fife. David Cameron and his cabinet are coming to Aberdeen on a day-trip on Monday but they seem to be ignoring the very basic rail transport needs of people on the East Coast main line.”

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