Re-establishing a direct rail link between Perth and Edinburgh could provide the biggest possible boost for the local economy, the Scottish Parliament has been told.
Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Liz Smith last night outlined her case for “upgrading one of the main rail arteries in the UK” during a member’s debate she secured at Holyrood.
Although she said her party was “very conscious of the likely financial and construction implications” of any project to bring a direct route back into force, Ms Smith pointed out a rail journey between the two cities is now slower than it was 100 years ago.
She said: “It has been estimated that the reinstatement of a direct link would reduce journey times from Edinburgh to Perth and onward journeys to Inverness and Aberdeen by up to 35 minutes.
“The reopening of a direct line would not only allow the creation of a key hub on the inter-city network at Perth and its iconic station, but also provide the opportunity for the creation of new stations to serve better serve the kingdom of Fife and Perthshire and Kinross-shire at a time when there is to be very considerable population growth.”
Ms Smith added: “I mentioned that there has been very considerable public support for this project over a number of years and this includes support from many businesses who are very firm in their belief about the potential economic boost from improved connectivity.
“Perthshire Chamber of Commerce has consistently given its support to the proposal, arguing that it could be one of the single biggest benefits to the local economy.
Fellow Conservative Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser told The Courier a direct rail link between Perth and Edinburgh would open Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Birnam and Blair Atholl to new economic opportunities.
He added: “Poor transport links are the biggest block to economic progress for communities north of Perth and I believe that the case for a direct rail link between Perth and Edinburgh is very strong.”