A STUDY into delivering a West Fife rail link is on track after £30,000 of funding was announced.

MP Douglas Chapman said it was a “big step” towards restoring a passenger service linking Dunfermline and Glasgow.

Fife Council commissioned consultation firm Capita to undertake a ‘Strategic Transport Pre-Appraisal’ on the rail line and other transport options.

The appraisal will assess the implications on the ‘multi-modal transport network’ following the closure of Longannet Power Station in March 2016.

Mr Chapman, the Dunfermline and West Fife MP, and Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville met transport minister Humza Yousaf at the Scottish Parliament last month to discuss the issue.

Mr Chapman said: "We discussed the development of the existing coal train line that runs from Dunfermline to Longannet.

“The retention of this line is a key part of our transport infrastructure. It would also breathe new life into the West Fife villages.

"This substantial commitment from the Scottish Government to carry out a full study into the feasibility of a rail link being delivered is a big step in the right direction.”

The council said the transport appraisal would consider the implications for road, rail and river travel modes in the area.

Ms Somerville said: “The Scottish Government has already taken decisive action following the closure of Longannet, by investing £2.7m in regeneration projects in West Fife, and the contribution of £30,000 to a transport appraisal for the area is good for businesses and commuters.

“This investment shows that the Scottish Government is committed to communities in West Fife and now we need confirmation from Fife Council that they will take forward the conclusions of the transport appraisal.”