The benefits of re-opening this rail link are wide and varied for Levenmouth and East Neuk: Council supports the proposal to re-open Objectives: Residents Levenmouth rail link. The main objectives of this project are: ■■ Shorter travel times to , Dundee and Perth ■■ Council Leader David Ross has recently More job opportunities by opening up the rest of Fife ■■ Improve accessibility to and from Levenmouth and Edinburgh restated Fife Council’s commitment to this and the East Neuk to Edinburgh and Dundee ■■ Attracting businesses to the area and thereby increasing project. Re-opening the Levenmouth Rail Link is jobs in Levenmouth and East Neuk vital for improving the local economy. ■■ Reduce traffic congestion on Fife’s roads by ■■ More school leavers can stay at home and travel to Working with Transport , South East promoting a shift from car to public transport further education Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) and ■■ Prevent further decline in population levels (fell by 6.6% between 2001 and 2011) the local community, Fife Council will continue ■■ Improve access to key services for 31% of population who don’t have a car ■■ Reduce road congestion, carbon emissions and improve making the case for the Levenmouth Rail Link. road safety by reducing trunk and car traffic ■■ Reduce CO emissions by reducing the ■■ Parking facilities at both stations will allow park and ride The 5 miles of railway line would connect Leven ² number of HGV’s transporting freight ■■ Stimulate the local property market and surrounding area with Thornton on the Fife ■■ Provide a direct link to Edinburgh airport (once Circle Line. ■■ Prevent population decline in Levenmouth Edinburgh Park is fully opened) and the East Neuk by ready access to Edinburgh’s job market Business ■■ ■■ Mitigate deprivation in Levenmouth A freight facility at , Windygates would help businesses in the area be more competitive ■■ Rail is a more cost effective means of transporting raw materials, bulky goods and consumer goods in and out of Fife ■■ All local businesses could use the freight facility ■■ Rail freight shortens the time it takes to get goods to market ■■ Direct connection to Scottish and UK ports ■■ Strengthen the local economy and expand the use of Docks

Tourism ■■ Golfers will be attracted to play in the Home of Golf and there are over 20 courses to choose from in LEVEN Levenmouth RT M ■■ Leven Links is listed in the top 100 courses in the world O O ■■ Leven’s beautiful sandy beach stretches 2 km and is the P U perfect draw for families

P T ■■

H Fife has been voted No 1 outdoor destination in

U

Scotland for eight years in a row. Leven has some S

R

A fantastic parks including Letham Glen and Silverburn

K I L N I

L Park. ■■ Access directly to the Coastal Path What’s happened so far: What can you do? In 2008, Fife Council and SEStran undertook a Show your support by: Making the case Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG). The STAG looked at the feasibility of increasing ■■ Contacting your local councillor and/or MSP for Levenmouth the number of public transport options available ■■ signing the online petition at www.lmrc-action. in the Levenmouth and East Neuk area. It org.uk Rail Link recommended: ■■ like the Levnmouth Rail Campaign facebook page (www.facebook.com/levenmouth. ■■ To create a new rail service based on re- railcampaign) opening the previous rail line to Levenmouth. EV ■■ The line would be for both passenger and L EN For more information about Levenmouth RT M freight O O Rail Link contact: P U

P T

H

U

S

Re-opening the rail link is estimated to cost R

A

K I L N I

around £76m: L

■■ All the track will need to be upgraded to run a passenger service LMRC ■■ Security fencing needs to run the length of 36 College Street the new line ■■ Two rail stations to be built at Leven and KY8 1JY Cameron Bridge. Email: [email protected] Website: www.lmrc-action.org.uk In December 2008 the Scottish Strategic Facebook: LMRC Transport Review rejected the project on the grounds that the Levenmouth Rail Link should or be focused at the local and regional level.

Fife Council and SEStran are continuing to argue the case for Levenmouth to be included in David Paterson the national delivery programme. Fife Council Levenmouth Area Services Manager Next Steps: Buckhaven Chambers During 2015 a revised STAG will be conducted. 1 College Street It will review public transport options and make Buckhaven the case to the Scottish Government for a KY8 1AB Levenmouth Rail Link. Email: [email protected]