On track with genuine progress in rail plans

Sir, - As chair of the Levenmouth Rail Campaign I am grateful for coverage given to efforts over the last few years to reinstate the line so as to allow direct services between Leven and Edinburgh.

Your report of the Holyrood debate on Wednesday focused on the discrepancy between the costings provided by different consultants.

Certainly this is something which merits and indeed needs further investigation.

There are, however, two other very positive aspects of the debate which I would like to draw to readers’ attention.

The first is the fact that in this debate we had representatives of all the political parties uniting in support of the campaign.

Few will be able to recall similar unanimity among Conservatives, Greens, SNP, Liberal Democrats and Labour.

I should also stress that, despite some reports to the contrary, we have experienced similar unity of purpose among the parties on Fife Council.

The second was the announcement by transport minister Humza Yousaf that he would instruct Transport Scotland to carry out and take responsibility for the GRIP IV stage report.

This is a detailed investigation of the technical and economic aspects of the project.

It is not something that the council could have carried out itself and this was a major factor in the recent impasse.

The announcement will have put smiles on many faces.

Thousands of people have shown support for our campaign and will be delighted to see it moving forward in such a positive manner.

There is a long way to go but it now seems within reach.

Finally can I thank Jenny Gilruth MSP for her hard work in ensuring the debate took place. Eugene Clarke. 17 Taeping Close, Cellardyke.

Picture: Kris Miller. Levenmouth rail campaigners recently met to discuss progress.