PLANS for the £6.4 million Rosyth park and choose are back on track according to Scottish minister Keith Brown. 

The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work told MSPs that talks have taken place with Fife Council about the project. 

A park and choose next to Rosyth railway station was given the green light four years ago and would allow commuters the option of leaving their cars and switching onto a bus or train to cross the Forth. 

Lack of funding saw plans shunted into the sidings but with the Forth Road Bridge set to become a dedicated public transport 'corridor' when the Queensferry Bridge opens on August 30, it's now back as an option. 

At the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee meeting in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Brown was asked what role the Scottish Government would play in promoting the increased use of public transport. 

The minister replied: "A very active role. We mentioned the improvements to the Ferrytoll park and ride, which have been part of the project. 

"We have also invested substantially in the Halbeath park and ride, and we are working with Fife Council on possibilities for the Rosyth park and choose, planning permission for which was granted back in 2013, and which would increase capacity for people who want to stop their car journey and go on to public transport in advance of crossing the Forth."

Asked by the Press for an update on the project, a spokesperson said: “Transport Scotland will monitor demand at the Halbeath and Ferrytoll park and ride sites before a decision is taken on progressing further with the Rosyth Park and Choose site.”

The proposed facility at Rosyth was given outline planning permission in 2013 and, with the consent due to expire, the council renewed it last year. 

The new facility would have 500 car-parking spaces, including 24 disabled spaces, a bus-turning area and bus stances, drop-off facilities, a taxi rank and secure cycle parking.

Park and choose encourages drivers to opt for public transport or car-sharing and, unlike the £10m park and ride at Halbeath, the Rosyth facility includes the option of getting on the train.

The proposed site, between the railway line and the A823(M) spur, was also part of the site of the Battle of Pitreavie in 1651.

The council's transport spokesman, Councillor Altany Craik, said: "Rosyth Park and Choose is an important element of the Forth Replacement Crossing overall Public Transport Strategy being delivered by Transport Scotland.

“Following the opening of the Queensferry Crossing, Transport Scotland will monitor the demand at both Halbeath and Ferrytoll Park and Ride sites before deciding on Rosyth Park and Choose.”

The Scottish Government identified the Pitreavie/Rosyth area for a park and choose in their Strategic Transport Projects Review in 2009.

Alternative sites next to Dunfermline Queen Margaret, Dunfermline Town and Inverkeithing rail stations were all looked at by the council but discarded as unsuitable.