Markinch interchange opened

SCOTTISH TRANSPORT minister Stewart Stevenson yesterday unveiled the new £6 million transport interchange at Markinch.

The MSP officially opened the interchange, which includes a new station building, CCTV system, lengthened platform, pedestrian bridge, and improved bus, taxi and cycle links.

He said, “I am very pleased to be here to officially open Markinch interchange.

“I am delighted that the Scottish Government was able to provide £3.75 million of funding for what is an excellent example of an integrated public transport project.

“From this one facility people will be able to choose whether to travel by bus, train, bike or taxi.

“Everyone who has been involved in this project is to be commended and I look forward to hearing about the benefits this facility brings to local communities and the local economy.”

Tricia Marwick MSP has been one of the key campaigners in the fight for improvements to the station.

She said, “It’s a great day for the village. I’ve used this station for over 30 years and now services are so much improved.

“The interchange is absolutely beautiful. I have campaigned for the last 15 years for this and I would like to pay tribute to all those involved.”

Fife Council were the other large financial contributor to the project, putting in £1.5 million.

Councillor Tony Martin said, “I am delighted to see this very attractive public transport interchange officially opened.

“It is a credit to all those involved that we now have an interchange which will hopefully bring many benefits to the local economy and improve public transport links not only for the people of Markinch but also the surrounding Glenrothes and Levenmouth area.”

The remainder of the funding came from Scottish Enterprise Fife, South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) and the Sustainable Transport Charity (SUSTRANS).

SEStran chairman, Councillor Russell Imrie, explained, “SEStran are committed to encouraging people to use public transport as their travel mode of choice, but this will only be achieved if it is an attractive option.

“Markinch interchange is an example of the sort of high quality transportation experience that SEStran aims to make the norm in South East Scotland.

“It is also an example of the quality that can be achieved in public transport provision and a template for future improvements across the region.”

Steve Montgomery, deputy managing director of First ScotRail added, “This is a perfect example of the partnership approach to deliver for customers and to perform at the very highest standards.

“I am confident it will lead to more people choosing rail as their preferred means of public transport.”