Scotland - First train in 40 years arrives

[John Ashworth]

First train in 40 years arrives
Wednesday, 2 April 2008 16:26 UK

A train has stopped at Alloa for the first time in 40 years.

Scott Addie, from Cowie, was at the controls of the two-carriage train when it pulled into the station at about 1110 BST.

He was getting used to the 13-mile line from Stirling to Kincardine, which is due to be reopened to passengers on 19 May.

The route has cost about £85m to restore and was originally scheduled for completion in 2005.

The original budget was £37m.

'New choice'

Trains will run hourly from Alloa to Glasgow Queen Street, with passengers able to change at Stirling for Edinburgh and stations on the east coast main line.

The restored line will also provide a more direct route to carry coal to Longannet Power Station.

Clackmannanshire Council leader Janet Cadenhead said: "The council has pursued its dream of bringing rail back to Clackmannanshire for two decades.

"I'm excited that the day I can jump on a train at Alloa, for business and pleasure, is nearly here.

"The travelling public of Clackmannanshire will soon be offered a new choice on their doorstep that they've been denied for 40 years, which should also have a positive knock-on environmental impact."

BBC Page last updated at 15:26 GMT, Wednesday, 2 April 2008 16:26 UK