Talgo move a ‘brilliant’ chance for workers

A major investment by Talgo would be transformative for west Fife and could pave the way for a lasting legacy, it has been claimed.

Politicians said it could lead to benefits for the port of Rosyth and trigger the opening of a longcampaigned-for rail link in the area.

Hailing yesterday’s announcement as fabulous news, Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman said: “It represents a brilliant opportunity for people with the right skills, talents and attitude to get in on the ground floor of a company that has a bright future in a growing market within an exciting industry.”

The SNP MP said a west Fife rail link would be a natural development.

Green MSP Mark Ruskell said rail infrastructure already in place was key to the company choosing the Longannet site and added: “There has been a long-standing demand for a reopening of the Alloa to Dunfermline line to passenger services and this could be the final piece of the puzzle.”

The shadow Scottish secretary, Labour’s Lesley Laird, said she was delighted by the news, stating: “This type of investment brings quality, well-paid job prospects, which in turn benefits local communities and our wider Fife economy.”

Dunfermline and West Fife SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Talgo will be well placed to tap into a skilled local workforce and benefit from excellent links to the rest of the country.”

Fife Council’s Labour co-leader, David Ross, said: “I’m particularly pleased that all the hard work that has gone into the search for a new user for the Longannet site has paid off.”

Council co-leader David Ross.