Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has launched a local petition to re-open a direct rail link between Perth and Edinburgh. The Mid Scotland & Fife MSP was in Kinross delivering her local petition cards. Liz Smith MSP has called on the SNP Scottish Government to look again at a new feasibility study into re-opening a direct line between Perth and Edinburgh. Scottish Conservatives will seek a debate in the Scottish Parliament on re-opening a direct rail link. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said: “I have been heartened by the significant support which my campaign to re-opening a direct rail link between Perth and Edinburgh has already attracted. The campaign is resonating with people across Perthshire, Kinross-shire and Fife. “For a number of years, both businesses and local residents across Perthshire & Kinross-shire and Fife have raised the issue of the possible re-opening of a direct rail link between Perth and Edinburgh. “The population in Perthshire & Kinross-shire and Fife has increased significantly in recent years and projections show the population is set to increase by approximately 27% in the period up to 2033. It is vital therefore that we secure investment in our transport infrastructure to meet the future needs of our communities for the 21st Century. “No one doubts that there is a lot of work to do in taking this forward but I hope we can get the project on the right track and deliver this key infrastructure improvement. “Only the reinstatement of this link will truly open up routes to the north from Edinburgh. It would bring a 35-minute reduction in the journey time from Edinburgh to Perth and Inverness; provide the opportunity to reduce journey times to Aberdeen; and allow the creation of new stations at key growth areas such as Kinross and Bridge of Earn. It would also allow the creation of a key hub on the inter-city network at Perth and make proper use of this iconic station.“I am keen to hear the opinions of local people on this issue and have therefore started circulating a local petition card which I hope will give local residents and the local community the chance to support the campaign.”