Work is ongoing across the six-mile rail corridor on the project that will see the Fife town reconnected to the mainline rail network for the first time in more than five decades.

As well as meeting the team delivering the project and getting an overview of the work and progress to date, Ms Gilruth visited the sites of both Cameron Bridge and Leven stations to see first-hand progress on both developments.

Located southeast of Windygates, just off the A915, Cameron Bridge station will have 125 car parking spaces with provision for electric vehicle charging, accessible spaces and cycle storage.

At Cameron Bridge, significant progress has already been made on the rail-focussed elements of the development, including the platforms, lift-pit and bridge foundations and car-park drainage. Track-laying has also recently passed through the new station.

Construction of Leven station is progressing in tandem with the work to rebuild the Bawbee bridge - which sits above the site of the station. As well as seeing the reconstruction of the new bridge above the railway, the MSP saw first-hand the progress that has been made to create Leven station’s 200m island platform.

Completion of the branch line in Spring 2024 will see trains call at Cameron Bridge and Leven stations for the first time since 1969.

On visiting the site Jenny Gilruth said: “We are less than a year away from the resumption of passenger services to Cameron Bridge and Leven for the first time in more than half a century and already excitement in the community is beginning to build.

“In less than a year, local people will be able to get on a train right here in Leven and get off in the centre of Edinburgh. Something we have missed for the last fifty years.

“It is great to come to site and meet the project team who are delivering the work to restore the rail link and reconstruct the Bawbee bridge and the progress that is being made is fantastic to see.

“The Rail Link project goes beyond delivering transport infrastructure though as it is about supporting regeneration and economic development and addressing social exclusion in communities across Levenmouth.

“New transport links will improve the life chances of local people by providing access to training, education and employment and improved infrastructure will make this area more attractive for inward investment, support growth in tourism, and boost the local economy.”

Joe Mulvenna, Network Rail’s project manager for the new railway, said: “With less than a year to go until the railway will be open, it is great to welcome Ms. Gilruth to site to update on progress and to show that the Rail Link is well on its way to becoming a reality.

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

“The team onsite is focussed on delivering the programme of work at the new stations as well as on the track – which now extends from Thornton junction to Mountfleurie – and all of the other engineering elements required to construct the new railway.

“Everyone involved in the work shares the belief that it is a privilege to be part of a project that will transform the lives of local people and the communities the railway will serve.”

Following successful completion of a range of preparatory activities, the project to deliver the new Levenmouth Rail kicked off in March 2022.

It includes:

• 19 single track kilometres of new / reinstated railway. (Double tracked railway)
• Two new modern accessible stations
• Electrification of the line
• Work with partners to optimise interchange options connecting stations

The programme is scheduled to complete in Spring 2024.