Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland Fife has welcomed the re-opening of the Borders Railway and called on the Scottish Government to re-consider a feasibility study into a direct Perth-Kinross-Edinburgh line.
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland Fife said:
“It is very much a welcome step forward to see the re-opening of the Borders Railway. For many communities the loss of their railway was a huge blow to the local economy and tourism.
“The re-opening of the Borders Railway only demonstrates the opportunity to consider further potential lines and stations being re-opened and to this end I believe a new feasibility study into a direct Perth-Kinross-Edinburgh line should be considered.
“I have been leading the campaign to re-open a direct rail link between Perth and Edinburgh which has already attracted significant local support with the idea clearly resonating with people across Perthshire, Kinross-shire and Fife.
“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 hope that a new feasibility study into a direct Perth-Kinross-Edinburgh line can be progressed in the next Parliament and that one day we will see train services connecting Kinross-shire and deliver a transport system that works for the 21st Century.”