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The story of how Levenmouth got its railway back.
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TheLevenmouth Rail Campaign (LMRC)was initially a CLEAR initiative, first launched in 2012 and again in 2014 which attracted other local activists to rally around. Whatever other improvements CLEAR achieve at the grassroots, the return of the trains will have a fantastic positive impact. Members of CLEARs committee remained active in the Campaign throughout, with the Hub acting as the Campaign’s registered office, and venue for its first few meetings. It was a long, challenging struggle but justice and reason prevailed but we feel there is more to do. CLEAR will continue representing the community to develop the railway system and River Leven Project.
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The culmination of the community’s hard lobbying work occurred when the Scottish Government approved the line to be reopened by 2024 for passengers and freight with stations at Leven and Cameron Bridge.
There were more than 70 suggestions made from the community on how the Levenmouth rail project will benefit all local communities. A workshop was held with a range of key areas discussed including integration with other forms of transport.
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Approving the project in August 2019, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson came to Methil and said: “..the case has been made for the Levenmouth rail link and I look forward to seeing this project being taken forward… improved transport links, which give Levenmouth a direct rail link to the capital, will lead to an enhanced local economy, bringing better access to employment and education and the potential for new investment. Easier and more sustainable travel options will make it easier for people to reach hospitals, schools and visit other areas of the country as well as giving better access to Levenmouth. “I would like to acknowledge the hard work of local MSPs, elected members and interest groups who have campaigned for the reopening of this line and I look forward to working with all partners to realise all of the benefits that improved connectivity can bring.”
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Transport Scotland Stated
The reopening of the link to Levenmouth and the rail network is to be taken forward to the next stage of development alongside new bus and active travel provision, following an assessment of transport links in the area.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson confirmed the news when he met council leaders and local community groups. A proposed rail link with stops in Leven and Cameron Bridge combined with improved bus services as well as cycling and walking facilities emerged as the best performing options in the Levenmouth Sustainable Transport Study.
The appraisal concluded that these measures would enhance employment opportunities as well as access to education, health and leisure services.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:
“I am extremely pleased that the case has been made for the Levenmouth rail link and I look forward to seeing this project being taken forward to the next stages of design.
“The detailed appraisal work that has been carried out suggests that improved transport links, which give Leven a direct rail link to the capital, will lead to an enhanced local economy, bringing better access to employment and education and the potential for new investment. Easier and more sustainable travel options will make it easier for people to reach hospitals, schools and visit other areas of the country as well as giving better access to Levenmouth.
“I would like to acknowledge the hard work of local MSPs, elected members and interest groups who have campaigned for the reopening of this line and I look forward to working with all partners to realise all of the benefits that improved connectivity can bring.”
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Levenmouth Rail Campaign was founded to reinstate the line from Leven and Cameron Bridge towards Edinburgh.
That has now been achieved with two passenger trains an hour Monday to Saturday inclusive and one on Sundays.
This was never just about a railway line but reconnecting Levenmouth and giving increased employment, educational and recreational opportunities to residents and opening up the area to visitors. Supporting work in the area such as active travel routes and new shops and housing are becoming clear.
The supporting website http://levenmouth.co.uk will no longer be maintained from September 2025.
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