FIFE MSP Mark Ruskell has called on the Scottish Government to commit to funding for new transport projects in the Kingdom.

Plans such as re-opening the Dunfermline to Alloa railway and extending the Edinburgh trams into Fife were laid out in the South East Scotland Regional Spatial Strategy.

It was recently approved by Fife Council but the document states that the funding will need to come from the Scottish Government.

Mr Ruskell questioned Transport Secretary Michael Matheson in the Scottish Parliament, but the cabinet secretary insisted it was up to councils to find funding for transport projects.

Speaking after the exchange, the Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP said: “The projects outlined in the Regional Spatial Strategy are really exciting, and could transform the way people live and travel in Fife.

"I’ve long advocated for the benefits reopening the Dunfermline to Alloa railway would bring not just to the Fife coastal villages but across the whole region, whilst a tram line across the Forth Road Bridge connecting into the Edinburgh bus and tram network would make commuting by public transport possible for so many more people.

"The strategy also recognises how underutilised the Forth currently is, and the huge potential for more freight and passenger services from Rosyth, Burntisland and Leven. Commuter ferries are completely normal in coastal city regions like Auckland and Vancouver, and the Forth provides a fantastic opportunity to deliver the same for Fife.

"None of these ambitious projects can be delivered by councils alone though, so it’s vital that the Scottish Government commits at an early stage to providing national infrastructure funding."

He continued to state that it was disappointing that Mr Matheson, "seemed unfamiliar with the funding needs laid out in the strategy, but I will continue to advocate for this much needed investment for Fife."

Mr Matheson had responded: "The member correctly identifies that a project of that nature would be a matter for the local authorities to consider taking forward.

"At the moment, they have made no representation to me in relation to a project of that nature. If that was their intention, we would be happy to engage with them on that project, but they would have to fund it through their existing funding structure."