Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Hundreds of residents from across Central Scotland gathered at Alloa station today as the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line re-opened for the first time in over 40 years.
Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson joined local people of all ages as they climbed aboard a steam train to celebrate the culmination of eight years work to re-establish the rail line. It is the first time a passenger train has been seen at Alloa station since it closed in 1968.
Mr Stevenson said that this was a great day for the people of Alloa and central Scotland who could now look forward to much improved rail connections. He said:
"This is a fantastic day. It has been a long time coming, but after 40 years we can now all look forward to passenger trains travelling through Alloa station once again.
"This is one of the most important infrastructure projects Scotland has seen in decades, and the significance of this project extends beyond Stirling, Alloa and Kincardine. The whole of Scotland is set to benefit.
"This is a vital new link which will provide improved links to education and employment opportunities for communities across central Scotland, promote inward investment and increase sustainable economic growth to the area. It will also bring faster, more efficient freight routes for businesses, taking more lorries off our roads and onto rail.
"This project has not been without its challenges, but we should celebrate a great day for the people of Alloa who can now look forward to much improved rail connections.
"Transport Scotland have done a good job since taking the reigns of this project last Summer."
Council leader Janet Cadenhead said:
"Clackmannanshire Council has campaigned for decades for the reopening of the rail link, and I would like to thank the many officers who have played a part in making this come about. The Council's consistent involvement was key in drawing together the complex planning, building and legal issues in this massive project. Indeed, the first private rail bill ever approved by the Scottish Parliament in 2004 was lodged by the Council.
"The railway will breathe new life into Alloa and Clackmannanshire, encouraging businesses and jobs while providing our citizens with convenient, safe and fast public transport to Stirling, Glasgow and Edinburgh. I look forward to using the railway for many years to come."
The historic occasion was marked in style as guests travelled from the newly built Alloa Station for a return trip to Stirling Station aboard a steam train hauled by The Great Marquess 61994, a majestic locomotive built in 1939.
Among the invited guests were employees of the previous railway which closed to passengers in 1968 and over thirty schoolchildren from local Primary and Secondary schools.
With passenger services due to commence on Monday 19 May, the reopening is another important part of Transport Scotland’s programme of investment in major rail infrastructure, creating high quality public transport links across Scotland.
The project has reopened approximately 13 miles (21km) of existing, disused and abandoned railway line between Stirling Station and Longannet Power Station in Kincardine.
The new station at Alloa allows direct hourly passenger services between Alloa, Stirling and Glasgow Queen Street and onward services from Stirling to Edinburgh. The line will also provide a more efficient freight route to carry coal from the West of Scotland to Longannet Power Station and potentially provide freight services to other customers along the line.
This route will allow freight trains to be diverted from the existing, longer route via the Forth Bridge, and thus release capacity for improved passenger services.
For further information see SAK Railway Project
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
