Celebrations set for rail opening

An hourly service will operate between Alloa, Stirling and Glasgow

Hundreds of rail enthusiasts are expected to converge on Alloa next week as the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine route reopens on Thursday 15 May.

The line, which was originally due for completion in 2005, will be opened by Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson.

More than �70m has been spent upgrading the 13-mile stretch of track to support passenger and freight services.

A steam train, hauled by the Great Marquess, is expected to make a maiden trip from Alloa to Stirling.

On its return, it will be hauled by the Royal Scots Grey.

The train has been provided by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society which is running three pleasure trips in the afternoon.

The new line will provide an hourly direct rail passenger service between Alloa, Stirling and Glasgow, starting on 19 May.

Passengers travelling to Edinburgh will be able to do so via connecting services at Stirling station.

The track, which has not been used for 40 years, will end at Longannet power station.

The initial �37m cost of the route rose to �55m after old mine workings were discovered along the track.