The project includes two brand new stations and 19 kilometres of track, laid over several phases since March 2022, connecting Leven to Thornton Junction on the East Coast Mainline with passenger trains for the first time in more than five decades.

The £116 million project, funded by the Scottish Government and scheduled for completion on time in 2024, will also see preparatory work to enable the electrification as part of wider ambitions to decarbonise Scotland’s Railway.

Ms Hyslop said: “It is fantastic to be here today to meet the site team and mark the completion of track laying on the project. It demonstrates what can be delivered through the excellent teamwork and determination that has made this possible.

“With work progressing on both Leven and Cameron Bridge stations, it is great to see a real and growing sense of excitement and anticipation building around the project, particularly in the surrounding communities regarding the social and economic benefits that the new line will bring.

“I would like to thank the team on the ground who worked through all weathers to complete the track and continue to work hard to bring this line back to life. On completion, the line will enable low-carbon transport options and make a real contribution to the Government’s net-zero transport ambitions.”

Alex Hynes, managing director of Scotland’s Railway, added: “It’s a privilege to be able to welcome the Minister to the site of the new Leven station to mark the completion of track laying on the Levenmouth Rail Link.

“The new line will reconnect local communities to the railway for the first time in more than five decades and it is incredible to see the progress the project team has made on the track work over the past year.

“Our focus now turns towards the completion of the new stations on the route ahead of the line entering passenger service next year.

“We are incredibly proud to be delivering this project on behalf of the Scottish Government and helping to unlock the leisure, education and employment opportunities that the new railway will deliver.”

Completion of track installation marks a significant milestone on the Scottish Government-funded project and brings the prospect of the reintroduction of passenger services on the line ever closer.

The programme is scheduled to complete in Spring 2024.