THE possibility of a rail link between St Andrews and West Fife is being looked at as part of recently-launched consultation,

The idea is one of a range of options which the public are being encouraged to have their say on as part of the St Andrews Transport study which was commissioned in 2019.

It has been initiated by the St Andrews Rail Link (StARLink) campaign who secured Scottish Government funding for the consultation after it concluded that the university town’s current transport arrangements are inadequate.

One of the options being mooted is a "heavy rail" option which would include a St Andrews to Edinburgh service – which could stop off in West Fife.

"The option proposes a station location near the St Andrews Gateway building to the north west of the town and allows for the operation of a rail service to Edinburgh and a local link to Dundee as a free standing service," says the consultation report.

"This would significantly improve journey times and connectivity to and from St Andrews by providing an attractive alternative to the private car which will benefit many of those who travel to and from St Andrews.

"The heavy rail option itself allows for the operation of services to Edinburgh, with potential calls at Cupar, Markinch for Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy-Inverkeithing or Dunfermline, Edinburgh Gateway (for the airport and Edinburgh tram)."

The consultation, which also asks for views on measures that could be implemented within the St Andrews itself, runs until March 7.

Preferred options will then be costed and business cases drawn up. The public can have their say by visiting https://arcg.is/mfPPD0.