Ministers urged to restore direct train services to capital

Writing to Jenny Gilruth, local Scottish Conservative politicians pointed out people looking to go to Scotland’s capital from stations like Broughty Ferry, Monifieth and Carnoustie were now being forced to change at Dundee.

That meant connecting services could easily be missed, and resulted in a less convenient service than the one provided before the Scottish Government nationalised ScotRail.

The letter was signed by North East MSP Maurice Golden, as well as Angus councillor Craig Fotheringham and Dundee councillor Derek Scott. They pointed out that many people in the area were required to travel to Edinburgh for work and this was now a more difficult and unreliable journey.

And they said the reduction in services didn’t fit with the wider aim of discouraging people from making car journeys when public transport options were available.

The letter stated: “As you are of course aware, there are a number of issues affecting the quality and reliability of rail travel across Scotland just now. Given the nationalisation of ScotRail earlier this year, there is an increased responsibility on the Scottish Government to deliver the very best service for passengers.

"However, we have recently become aware that direct services from stations in Dundee and Angus no longer run to Edinburgh.

“That includes Broughty Ferry, Monifieth and Carnoustie.

“People who live in these communities often require travel to Scotland’s capital city for work, and it’s very disappointing that a change of train is required for what is a relatively short journey. Many constituents in these areas have noted this reduction in service and raised it with us, pointing out that it’s inconvenient and puts them off attempting the journey.

“ At a time of a climate emergency we should be encouraging everyone to use trains instead of making it a less attractive option. As Transport Minister, we would ask that you restore these direct services which would in turn boost connectivity, dissuade people from driving to Edinburgh and provide other economic benefits.”