'WITH 50 years having gone by since passenger transport on the Levenmouth rail link came to an end and nearly 20 years since there was regular freight use on the line, I was absolutely delighted to hear the announcement from the Scottish Government that the line is to be re-opened.

After the difficulties that have been experienced recently with the Fife Circle is great to be able to welcome investment, improvements and expansion to the rail network in Fife. Last week’s fantastic news is a victory for everyone who has campaigned long and hard for many years and I want to pay tribute to all who have contributed to that campaign over the years.

To use a phrase borrowed from railway history, it has been a case of “All change!” in politics, too, with a new Prime Minister emerging out of the ongoing internecine struggles of the Conservative Party.

It will come as no surprise to anyone to learn that I have no confidence at all in Boris Johnson’s suitability for the role and I am afraid that his determination to take us out of the EU “do or die” by October 31 flies in the face of logic, common sense and any basic regard for the well-being of the people and nations of the UK.

Scotland voted overwhelmingly in in favour of remaining in the European Union, so it is little surprise that the first poll on Scottish Independence to be carried out since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister showed that 52% of Scots back independence, with a majority favouring a referendum before 2021.

It is quite clear that more and more people think it is time that Scotland took our own decisions and shaped our own future as a fair, prosperous, outward looking nation.

The people who will really shape that future, of course, are our young people. And with the holidays now at an end and the start of the new school term ahead, I want to wish all the very best to pupils across my constituency who are starting a new school year.

Whether it is the excitement, nervousness and anticipation of your first day in primary one or heading off for secondary for the first time, or simply moving up a year and getting back into the rhythm of the school week, I hope the transition is easy and enjoyable.

Over the course of this summer it has been my pleasure to be able to get along to a whole range of community fairs and gala days. As is the way in Scotland, the weather has been changeable, some blessed with sunshine, others coping with downpours, but one thing has been consistent throughout – the sense of community spirit. These events really are important and I cannot praise highly enough the effort put in by all those who give so selflessly of their time, effort and skills to make sure they happen. Thank you all'.