Young people walk the line in push to reopen railway

Youngsters from across Levenmouth walked the line yesterday as part of the push to reinstate a mothballed rail link.

Fife College students, along with pupils from Levenmouth Academy and Balcurvie and St Agatha’s primaries, walked two and a half miles along the track between Leven and Thornton.

They were joined by MSPs and councillors from across the political spectrum for the event, organised by Levenmouth Rail Campaign (LMRC) as part of the Year of Young People.

Committee member Ross Bennett said young people were key to the campaign’s success.

“A railway is tied up with their future opportunities for studying and employment,” he said.

“At the moment it’s a nightmare for young people from Levenmouth who want to go to university or get a job outwith this area because there is no direct transport link. We have a brain drain and we are losing talent.”

SNP MSP Jenny Gilruth said: “The Leven rail link is really important for people living in my constituency because of the opportunities it could bring if we get it reinstated.”

Fellow MSP David Torrance added: “It’s important we keep the pressure on the Scottish Government because, economically, this is really important to this area.”

Levenmouth Labour councillor David Graham said it was excellent that schools were getting involved in the campaign. “We need all parts of the community driving the importance of the campaign,” he said.

Yesterday’s walk marked the start of a week of action for LMRC, which will culminate in a conference in Methil on Friday.

LMRC will use that event to launch a charter harnessing the support of business people from across the area.

The conference will bring together councillors, MSPs, MPs, rail experts and other campaigners to review progress and identify any further steps that could boost the argument that the five-mile stretch of track should be reopened.