AFTER WEEKS of eager anticipation the hourly rail service between Perth and Edinburgh will finally be launched today.

The new service is part of a package of improvements announced recently by the Scottish Government.

Among those to benefit will be residents of highland Perthshire, who are set to see a series of new services linking them directly with the central belt.

North Tayside MSP John Swinney will this morning start the day at Blair Atholl, where passengers will be catching a new early morning commuter train from the village station to Perth and Edinburgh.

The MSP said he was delighted to be involved with the official launch of the timetable, which will also feature an hourly Monday-to-Saturday service from Perth to Edinburgh via Markinch and Kirkcaldy.

“I have been supporting the local community for some time to press for additional services to serve Blair Atholl,” Mr Swinney said.

“I am therefore delighted that the people of highland Perthshire now have an additional commuter route, which will help link directly to the capital.

“This is a cost-effective route for commuters, and I encourage as many people as possible to use this service.”

Mr Swinney believes the spin-off benefits will be felt throughout the community.

“I am positive that this service will act as a catalyst for increased activity in the tourism sector, as well as allowing local residents to travel to Perth and beyond to work,” the MSP continued.

“This service is a great victory for the Pitlochry Station Liaison Group, and in particular Priscilla Lorimer, who has led the group, and recognises the efforts of the Highland Rail Partnership and others.

“I look forward to officially waving off the new service and I am certain that it will be a tremendous success,” Mr Swinney said.

Perth and Kinross Council leader Ian Miller is similarly enthusiastic about the new services.

“The need for an improved rail link between Perth and Edinburgh was identified in our economic development strategy a number of years ago,” he said.

“The service we have had for some years was seen as a constraint on accessibility between Edinburgh and Perth.

“I am delighted that this new service is to be provided after years of lobbying by the council.

“I am sure it will give the local business and tourism economy a boost, and make rail travel between Perth and the capital city a lot easier.

“There is now a viable alternative to using the car to get between the two cities, which is also good news for the environment.”

Mary Dickson, First Scot-Rail’s managing director, added, “We are particularly delighted to announce the extra train services throughout our winter timetable.

“We are confident that these enhancements will have a positive effect on the quality of service we provide for our customers.”