Work to complete the rail link is ongoing with the Fife towns of Cameron Bridge and Leven set to see the resumption of passenger services for the first time in more than five decades from June.

As well as meeting the project team, Ms Gilruth visited the sites of the new stations in both towns to see the progress that’s been made towards completion.

With the line now operational for driver training, the focus of the work is on finishing the passenger facilities at the stations and on the active travel network.

On visiting the site, Jenny Gilruth MSP, said: “We are now just 10 weeks away from the resumption of passenger services to Cameron Bridge and Leven for the first time in more than half a century and the excitement in the community continues to build.

“The progress that is being made on the stations is fantastic to see and the active travel network is beginning to take shape with three new bridges set to span the railway and the river and link local communities to the stations.

“While the railway offers local people direct links to Edinburgh, it is important that we don’t forget all that Levenmouth has to offer and consider how we can build on that to bring visitors to the area, grow tourism and boost the local economy.

“New transport links will improve the life chances of local people by providing access to training, education and employment while supporting regeneration and economic development and addressing social exclusion in communities across Levenmouth.”

Joe Mulvenna, Network Rail’s project manager for the new railway, added: “We are now just weeks away from the reopening of the rail link and it was great to welcome Ms. Gilruth back to site to update on progress.

“The team on-site is focused on completing work at the new stations as well as on the network of active travel routes that will improve connections between the stations and the communities they will serve.

“The opening of the new line will improve social and economic opportunities for people in the surrounding communities and we are working with local partners to maximise the positive impact the project will have right across the area.

“It has been a privilege to be part of this project and we are confident that over time the railway will transform the lives of local people and the communities it will serve.”

Both new stations will offer car parking spaces with provision for electric vehicle charging, accessible spaces and cycle storage as well as interchange options for onward travel and direct links to local footpaths and cycle routes.

The active travel network will enhance the connection between the stations and the communities they will serve.