The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Station on track for upgrade
Transport chiefs have pledged to upgrade a Highland Perthshire railway station after years of complaints.
Passengers say the platform at the Dunkeld and Birnam stop is too low for the trains, making boarding and alighting a constant problem for older and disabled people.
Portable steps are routinely used to help visitors get on and off at the station.
Despite several years of problems, no work was carried out while Transport Scotland considered moving the station as part of its multi-billion-pound A9 dualling project.
However, locals have been told that this option has now been ruled out.
One pensioner, 79, told The Courier: “There is about a foot of space between the train carriage and the platform, so you can imagine how difficult that can be for a lot of people.”
The problem was highlighted by Tory MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Murdo Fraser, after he wrote to Transport Minister Michael Matheson and received a reply that he claimed was “simply a classic case of passing the buck”.
Mr Fraser said: “The ultimate responsibility for taking action to address this problem lies with Transport Scotland.”
Conservative councillor Anne Jarvis, who represents the Strathtay ward, said: “I receive complaints about this issue all the time and it’s been going on for years.
“Rail passengers who have difficulties boarding or getting off trains at Dunkeld and Birnam rail station are told that there is a movable step available at the station, but that is not a proper solution.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We remain committed to improving access at stations beyond the UK Government programme, and where possible, look to improve accessibility as part of our wider rail investments.
“Therefore, as part of the A9 dualling Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing road project, all four dualling options that are currently being considered will also help improve access to the Dunkeld and Birnam rail station.”
He added that Transport Scotland is currently in discussions with Network Rail regarding accessibility to the station for these four options and how it could be improved.