COWDENBEATH MSP Annabelle Ewing has asked the Scottish Government Minister for Transport to seek to press Scotrail for an overall better service for local train passengers using the Fife Circle line.

During General Questions in the Scottish Parliament, on Thursday, Ms Ewing raised the issue of train delays, cancellations and overcrowding on the Fife Circle especially how these affected Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly and Cardenden stations.

The Question, as printed in the Business Bulletin was: To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with ScotRail regarding operations on the Fife Circle.

Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Connectivity, replied on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Transport.

Speaking in the Chamber, Ms Ewing thanked the Minister for his initial response and continued, saying: “Can I just stress for the avoidance of any doubt that my constituents are absolutely fed up with Scotrail.

“Those in Aberdour and Dalgety Bay face constant delays, cancellations and overcrowding, as do those in Inverkeithing and North Queensferry. And those in Cardenden have to put up with the total farce of not knowing if their train will actually stop in Cardenden, rather than some random station that they have not chosen to go to.

“This is unacceptable. Can the Minister ensure that the Cabinet Secretary will now meet with Scotrail again as a matter of urgency to ensure that they get the Fife Circle back on track?”

In response, Mr Wheelhouse said: “I thank Annabelle Ewing for that supplementary question.

“I want to put it on record that both myself and the Cabinet Secretary very much appreciate how frustrating disruption is for passengers and indeed the problems that Annabelle Ewing has highlighted in a number of localities in her constituency are obviously of great concern and I can understand how concerned her constituents will be".

He added: “As I mentioned earlier the Cabinet Secretary met with Alex Hines earlier this week and has also met with the Chief Executive of Network, Rail Andrew Haynes, several weeks ago and reiterated the need for robust and resilient plan to deliver improvements across the network and provide customers with a reliable railway.

“I certainly will … happy to confirm that the Cabinet Secretary will meet with Annabelle Ewing to discuss the matters and to arrange a meeting with the Scotrail MD as well.”

Speaking afterwards, Ms Ewing welcomed this proposal, saying: “I welcome the Minister’s acknowledgement of the issues I have raised and I look forward to taking him up on the offer of a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary in advance of speaking once more with Scotrail so that these important concerns can be addressed. "I will certainly ensure, before he meets with Scotrail again, that he is fully aware of the impact this poor service is having on my constituents.”