Cathy Peattie is the Labour MSP for Falkirk East

Ms Peattie said the suspension of the �650m plan to create an underground link to Edinburgh Airport would have provided an economic boost to Falkirk.

The Labour politician also hit out at the Scottish Government's preferred option for a new station at Gogar.

The SNP shelved plans for Earl last month on the grounds of cost.

Ms Peattie said: "Earl wasn't about Edinburgh, it was about improving the link between Scotland and the rest of the world.

"It would have given two-thirds of Scotland direct access to Edinburgh Airport from 62 railway stations, and given the rest of the world a better connection with Scotland.

Our plans for the electrification of the Glasgow to Edinburgh line, announced alongside our alternatives to Earl, will directly benefit the people of Falkirk Scottish Government spokeswoman

"It would have benefited everyone by stimulating economic growth throughout Scotland."

The Falkirk East MSP also attacked plans for a station at Gogar, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, describing the move as a "sop of a station".

She said: "Compared to the ease of walking out of railway station into an airport a few yards away, the prospect of getting luggage and families via a tortuous route and longer distances from train to tram and from tram to airport, will not be a great incentive for people to leave their cars at home and take public transport."

She added: "The Gogar option will be of little advantage to the people of Falkirk and other towns between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

"Indeed, it could be a disadvantage to other travellers on that line, increasing journey times or taking trains away from other stops."

In response to Ms Peattie, a spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said: "This government is committed to investing in public transport infrastructure across Scotland.

"Our plans for the electrification of the Glasgow to Edinburgh line, announced alongside our alternatives to Earl, will directly benefit the people of Falkirk and surrounding areas.