FIFE BRANCH SET TO REOPEN
The Leven branch is likely to be the next line to reopen in Scotland, following the success of the Borders reopening to Tweedbank. This corner of Fife is notoriously difficult to access by public transport at present: Transport Scotland Director of Rail Bill Reeve insisted his staff travel by bus when they visited recently on a reconnaissance trip, to ensure they found out at first hand just how long it would take a student from Leven, for example, to get home from a further education college in Edinburgh.
The six-mile branch has the huge advantage that the track bed is owned by Network Rail and much of the infrastructure remains in situ. Thornton North Junction, where the branch meets the Dundee to Edinburgh main line, remains operational but is secured out of use. Network Rail has kept the first couple of miles in easily-revivable shape in case they should be needed for freight traffic, while on the remainder of the branch the track bed and structures are in place and unobstructed.
MOTHBALLED
Passenger services to Leven were withdrawn in 1969, after which the branch was singled. The line to Methil power station remained open for freight until 2001 and was mothballed thereaft…
