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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| Train line reopens after 40 years | Train line reopens after 40 years |
| (19 minutes later) | |
| Direct rail services between Stirling, Alloa and Kincardine have recommenced after a break of 40 years. | Direct rail services between Stirling, Alloa and Kincardine have recommenced after a break of 40 years. |
| About 300 invited guests gathered at Alloa's new station as Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson officially reopened the track. | About 300 invited guests gathered at Alloa's new station as Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson officially reopened the track. |
| Passenger services will be available from Monday. | Passenger services will be available from Monday. |
| Despite an original budget of £37m, more than £85m has been spent upgrading the 13-mile stretch of track, which will also support freight services. | Despite an original budget of £37m, more than £85m has been spent upgrading the 13-mile stretch of track, which will also support freight services. |
| Mr Stevenson said the reopening of the line was "one of the most important infrastructure projects Scotland has seen in decades". | |
| He added: "The significance of this project extends beyond Stirling, Alloa and Kincardine. The whole of Scotland is set to benefit. | |
| "This is a vital new link which will provide improved links to education and employment opportunities for communities across central Scotland, promote inward investment and increase sustainable economic growth to the area." | |
| A steam train, hauled by the Great Marquess, made the maiden trip from Alloa to Stirling. | A steam train, hauled by the Great Marquess, made the maiden trip from Alloa to Stirling. |
| The new line will provide an hourly direct service between Alloa, Stirling and Glasgow for passengers, starting on 19 May. | The new line will provide an hourly direct service between Alloa, Stirling and Glasgow for passengers, starting on 19 May. |
| Commuters travelling to Edinburgh will be able to do so via connecting services at Stirling station. | Commuters travelling to Edinburgh will be able to do so via connecting services at Stirling station. |
| The track, which ends at Longannet power station, will also be used to transport freight. | The track, which ends at Longannet power station, will also be used to transport freight. |
| local MSP Keith Brown said the advantages of having the rail link were significant to locals. | |
| He added: "Both as council leader when the bid was steered through and as the local MSP, I am delighted and very proud that the trains are coming back to Alloa today after 40 years. | He added: "Both as council leader when the bid was steered through and as the local MSP, I am delighted and very proud that the trains are coming back to Alloa today after 40 years. |
| "The benefits are huge and long-lasting, with house prices alone showing the new confidence in Clackmannanshire." | "The benefits are huge and long-lasting, with house prices alone showing the new confidence in Clackmannanshire." |
| Transport Scotland said the freight service would provide a more efficient route for coal from the west of Scotland to Longannet Power Station and reduce rail congestion on the Forth Bridge. | Transport Scotland said the freight service would provide a more efficient route for coal from the west of Scotland to Longannet Power Station and reduce rail congestion on the Forth Bridge. |