The restored Levenmouth Link in Fife was formally opened today by First Minister John Swinney.
The line to Cameron Bridge and Leven has been reopened at a cost of more than £116 million. Today’s ceremony at Leven station was attended by more than 300 guests, who saw the First Minister unveil a plaque.
They then travelled up the line to Cameron Bridge for a reception of welcome.
Mr Swinney said: ‘Many people have long waited for the return of rail service to Levenmouth and I am delighted to be part of the open celebrations.
‘The local volunteers from the Levenmouth Rail Campaign group should be immensely proud of this historic achievement of reinstating rail connections for the community.
‘This rail link exemplifies the Scottish Government’s commitment to investing in our public services, growing our economy, taking climate action and investing in key areas that will help eradicate child poverty. By improving access to leisure, economic, employment and educational opportunities, alongside improving the connectivity to and from the area for residents, visitors and businesses, this rail link will help transform the lives of families and young people in the area.’
Levenmouth Rail Campaign chair Dr Allen Armstrong was one of the guests. He said: ‘All campaigns and their contexts differ but ten years is a very short time-span in the life of any rail campaign.
‘The fact that disadvantaged Levenmouth – in decline for over five decades since mining, docks and railways closed and where social capital and civic engagement is not that strong – was able to mount an intensive community-led campaign which played such an important role in achieving its main objective, well-supported by Council and elected representatives, has been a source of both surprise and pride.
‘Levenmouth is back on the map and regeneration prospects aided by other project in the pipeline are brighter now.’
Today’s ceremony marks the start of celebrations in Fife that include a Council garden party tomorrow and a community day on Saturday.
Passenger services will start running on Sunday when the summer timetable comes into force.