KINGLASSIE MSP, Jenny Gilruth and David Torrance the Kirkcaldy MSP joined campaigners from the Levenmouth Rail

Campaign to handover a 12,506-strong petition to reinstate the Levenmouth Rail line to the Scottish Government.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf MSP accepted the petition on behalf of the Government at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday morning, along with cross-party support from regional MSPs across Mid Scotland & Fife.

Campaigners for the rail link travelled in a shuttle bus from Leven High Street to the Scottish Parliament to present the petition, which was handed over in three large boxes.

The proposed rail link would see Levenmouth connected to the Fife Circle and link up with Cardenden, Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath.

Commenting on the handover, Jenny Gilruth said: “This is a fantastic achievement, and I applaud the efforts of the Levenmouth Rail Campaign. They have my full and unequivocal support.

“I am longstanding supporter of reinstating the Levenmouth rail link. Levenmouth is currently the largest urban area in Scotland not connected by a rail link. This has a

significant impact in limiting job opportunities for local people and the potential for investment. Connecting Levenmouth by rail would be a game-changer.

“The Scottish Government has already delivered the new Levenmouth Academy with £25million investment. A rail link would be the next big step in regenerating the area and

would offer vastly improved employment opportunities for local residents.”

“Levenmouth needs this link, and I will do everything I can to make sure it is delivered.”

David Torrance MSP added: “I’d like to congratulate the Levenmouth Rail campaigners on their efforts over the last

couple of years that they have been collecting signatures for the petition. To successfully reach over 12,000 is a great achievement by all the volunteers, and I hope this comes to a

successful conclusion."

To mark the handover, Jenny Gilruth MSP has submitted a motion (S5M-05941) to the Scottish Parliament, welcoming the petition handover and seeking a members’ debate on

the reinstatement of the link.