Speedy train to link Perth and Edinburgh

Sep 26 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTH MSP Roseanna Cunningham has given a warm welcome to the planned introduction of a fast hourly rail service between Perth and Edinburgh.

And she’s hopeful that proposals to breathe new life into the station at Blackford are moving up the agenda.

Roseanna said: “The announcement by the Transport Minister and Transport Scotland represents a massive improvement in rail links between Perth and Edinburgh.

“As a frequent traveller between the cities over the years I’m acutely aware of how poor the service is so I’m absolutely delighted that a fast hour service linking Perth to the capital is at last to be introduced.

“First ScotRail's newly saltire-bedecked trains will be travelling the new service from December.

“The announcement of this major improvement in Perthshire's rail service coincided with a meeting I attended to highlight the campaign to re-open Blackford rail station.

“Now that we are dealing with a Scottish Government committed to improving rail links I believe that the future for this campaign is much brighter.

“Re-opening Blackford station would be of real and immediate benefit to the communities in the southern part of my constituency and it is a campaign that has my full support.”