Public funds could be better spent elsewhere than on St Andrews rail link

Sir, – I refer to your article in Tuesday’s Courier in which you report that the campaign group Starlink is angered due to a delay by Transport Scotland in responding to the campaign group’s proposal for a new rail link into St Andrews.

It is important to note that, based on Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance, an appraisal of all transport options, not just rail, must be carried out as part of any consultancy.

Therefore, on grounds of cost and practicability, a rail link may not be the best option – particularly as there is no feasible route for a new railway line and no suitable site for a new rail station in St Andrews.

Further, St Andrews is already adequately served by Leuchars Rail Station, supported by an efficient and regular bus service and taxi service into and out of town.

If taxpayers’ money is to be spent on improvements to transport arrangements, then upgrading and improvement of Leuchars

Rail Station would be a worthwhile option, to include a new footbridge over the line and into the station, incorporating either a passenger lift or escalator.

Taking all of the circumstances into account, the enormous cost and disruption of forming a new rail link into St Andrews is not warranted.

Any spare public funds would be much better spent on alternative projects.