Scottish Conservative politicians have welcomed a connectivity report which highlights the need to have a direct rail link between Perth and Edinburgh.
The Tay Cities Region (Perth and Kinross, Dundee and Angus) along with Tactran has submitted a response to the UK Connectivity Review, and one issue raised is the call for this to happen as it would ‘improve connectivity’ through a reduction in journey time from the Highlands/Perthshire to connect with the east coast rail line.
In their submission, the Tay Cities Region has outlined how connectivity is one of the three pillars of the strategy and needed to ensure that businesses can access markets, customers and suppliers more easily and cost-effectively. The local authorities believe that improved connectivity will make the Tay Cities region the more attractive to investors and tourists.
Commenting, Murdo Fraser MSP, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said: “There are a lot of positive suggestions put forward in this document, but I was particularly pleased to see mention of the need to have a direct rail line between Perth and Edinburgh. I have been calling for this for some time, along with my Scottish Conservative colleague, Liz Smith MSP, as it has been stated that it would cut rail times between the two cities by 30 minutes, according to a survey carried out by transport thinktank Greengauge 21 back in 2018.
“Building a new rail line, which would see a new rail station created at Bridge of Earn, would also cater for the growing populations in both Perth and Kinross and Fife, and result in a service fit for the 21st century.”
And Councillor Murray Lyle, Leader of Perth and Kinross Council, added: “It is important that we explore every avenue, where we can improve the connections between the Tayside region and the rest of the UK. The Union Connectivity review will assist this appraisal and our submission has made a strong case for investment regionally and locally to improve infrastructure and connectivity.”