Track and signalling

Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line reopens

Hundreds of residents from across central Scotland gathered at Alloa Station when the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line reopened for the first time in over 40 years

Transport minister Stewart Stevenson joined local people of all ages as they climbed aboard a steam train to celebrate the culmination of eight years work to re-establish the rail line. It is the first time a passenger train has been seen at Alloa Station since it closed in 1968.

Mr Stevenson said: “This is one of the most important infrastructure projects Scotland has seen in decades, and the significance of this project extends beyond Stirling, Alloa and Kincardine. The whole of Scotland is set to benefit.”

The historic occasion was marked in style as guests travelled from the newly built Alloa Station for a return trip to Stirling Station aboard a steam train hauled by The Great Marquess 61994, a majestic locomotive built in 1939.

The reopening is another important part of Transport Scotland’s programme of investment in major rail infrastructure, creating high quality public transport links across Scotland.

The project has reopened approximately 13 miles (21km) of existing, disused and abandoned railway line between Stirling Station and Longannet Power Station in Kincardine. The new station at Alloa allows direct hourly passenger services between Alloa, Stirling and Glasgow Queen Street and onward services from Stirling to Edinburgh. The line will also provide a more efficient freight route to carry coal from the West of Scotland to Longannet Power Station and potentially provide freight services to other customers along the line. This route will allow freight trains to be diverted from the existing, longer route via the Forth Bridge, and thus release capacity for improved passenger services.

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