Hitting the buffers

It must be gratifying for St Andrews Rail Link campaigners that Scotland’s new Transport Secretary sees fit to fund an independent appraisal for the construction of a new rail link into St Andrews despite the existence of the nearby Leuchars main line station supported by a regular tenminute bus journey between the station and the town (“Full steam ahead for St Andrews rail study”, 9 August).

A Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance evaluation will consider all forms of transport, not just rail, and the introduction of electric buses to the route, together with improved and upgraded road connections, could be a positive outcome of their appraisal. The construction

of a completely new railway line into St Andrews is an extremely expensive and disruptive proposal requiring a new rail bridge spanning the River Eden, as well as various cuttings and viaducts through agricultural land.

The proposed new line will adversely impact existing road networks including access to St Andrews Golf Links and The Old Course Hotel. A new rail station with car parking will have to be built in St

Andrews and this will surely increase the flow of road traffic into St Andrews.

Furthermore, there is no evidence that a rail link will actually reduce traffic flow through this historic town, as is being hypothesised by the campaigners.

Therefore, on grounds of high cost, necessity and practicability, together with alternative cheaper options, there is a strong possibility that the much awaited STAG appraisal

could result in the St Andrews Rail Project hitting the buffers once and for all.

ALLAN CHALMERS Links Crescent, St Andrews