WITH a little more than a month to go until the grand re-opening of the Levenmouth rail line, the entire community is counting down and looking to the future with hope.

The £116 million Scottish government-funded project will reconnect communities in Levenmouth to the railway for the first time in more than 50 years.

The first train is due to depart on June 2 after the completion of two new stations – Leven and Cameron Bridge, and the landmark day has been welcomed by the community.

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“I think Levenmouth has always felt a wee bit like a poor relation, but we’re starting to feel like we matter now,” said Teresa Watson, chair of Leven Community Council.

With just days to go until the rail link reopens to the public, Levenmouth communities of all ages are getting excited.

“It’s been a long haul, but I think everybody’s getting excited now,” said Councillor Alistair Suttie (SNP for Leven, Kennoway and Largo).

“Some folk were a bit sceptical about it to start with, but now that we can see the [end of the line], the community is really getting excited about the whole thing.”

He continued: “It’ll be great to see Leven and Levenmouth getting back on the grid and getting opened up to the world again. Leven has a great tradition stretching way back of attracting and welcoming visitors to this corner of Fife and we’re really looking forward to doing that once again.”

Leven community councillors and Fife councillors alike have both agreed that the rail link is breathing new life into the area and sparking a wave of positivity.

“Over the last couple of years there have been quite a few negatives in Leven – fires in the High Street, and businesses shutting down,” Watson explained.

“This rail link just seemed to spark a whole new positivity around the community. People are starting to realise what’s on their doorstep and how lucky we are with the history and heritage we’ve got."

She continued: “I think the majority of people are feeling incredibly positive now that the rail link is opening and things are happening. It’s encouraging new businesses into the area already.”

Ayshea Morris, speaking as a business owner and a member of the Leven Community Council, said she is excited to see what the rail link can bring.

“I think we’re all really excited,” she said. “[My business] is third generation in Leven and we’re investing a lot of money this year into our businesses to make them the best they can possibly be.”

The train line will not only connect communities in Levenmouth with the rest of Fife and beyond, but it will also give the region an opportunity to show off to the rest of the country.

“Levenmouth has got a great array of things to offer to tourists coming in. Hopefully that’ll help enhance what we’ve got and help the locals as well,” said Councillor Ken Caldwell (SNP for Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss villages).

“We’ve got tourism attractions right from West Wemyss right along to Lundin Links.”

He listed the Mining Heritage Centre, the coastline, the ancient caves in Wemyss, the needlework gallery, the Buckhaven museum, the newly reopened Methil Heritage Centre, the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust and many other attractions as places worthy of attention.

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“There has been lots of investment and it shows lots of people have faith in Levenmouth,” said Cllr Suttie.

“I think it excites folk and encourages them. It brings their confidence levels up, and that’s where we’ll get the benefit long term.”

The rail line will officially open to the public on June 2, 2024. When it opens, it is expected that trains from Levenmouth to Edinburgh will take just 64-75 minutes.