Cllr. Janet Cadenhead, Clackmannanshire Council leader
"The Council has pursued its dream of bringing rail back to the county for over a decade and I am delighted that our plans are nearing reality.
“A key objective of this Council in terms of the economic regeneration of the area, the reopening of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail line in 2008 will be a tremendous boost to the communities involved, opening Clackmannanshire up to the world.
“The economic effects of the railway are already being felt in the county and I am looking forward to the day when I can jump on a train at Alloa, for business and pleasure.”
Cllr. Graham Reed, Stirling Council
"The new rail link between Stirling and Alloa will bring a range of environmental and economic benefits.
"I eagerly anticipate seeing a reduction in traffic congestion on the roads leading to Stirling as car users switch to using the rail service.
"This link comes at an exciting time as we see the redevelopment of Forthside, adjacent to Stirling Train Station, taking shape. Rail users will have easy access to the multiscreen cinema and restaurants opening there early in 2008."
Cllr. Tony Martin, Chair of the Environment & Transportation Committee, Fife Council
"Fife very much welcomes this project. The provision of freight to Longannet Power Station via the new rail link relieves pressure on the Forth Rail Bridge thus increasing the reliability of all passenger rail services across the bridge, while releasing the potential for additional rail passenger capacity across the bridge in the future."
John MacPherson, President, Rotary Club of Alloa
"The opening of the railway can only be a positive move and will benefit the whole community. With the ongoing regeneration of the area as a whole it is anticipated we will attract more shoppers, visitors and businesses alike. It will also help to ease the congestion on the roads and assist commuters with links to the major cities.
"All in all, it's another very important part in bringing back the feelgood factor to the area and with the current housing boom in Clackmannanshire it can only be another step to putting us back firmly on the map."
Paul Sutton, Chair, The Clackmannanshire Tourism Association
"The Clackmannanshire Tourism Association has always been a supporter of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line. The advent of passenger services linking Alloa to the major cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh will allow greater tourism travel opportunities as well as encouraging economic growth.
"In addition, freight use for Longannet Power Station will help keep the County’s roads free of heavy goods traffic to make tourist visits more enjoyable and stress free."
Mike Mulraney, Chair of Clackmannanshire Business and owner of Alloa Athletic Football Club
"I believe the completion of the rail link will see a critical gap in our community’s transport infrastructure filled. This project will help guarantee the ongoing improvement in Alloa’s economic position and its contribution to our town’s future viability cannot be overestimated.
"For the first time in over a generation we will be connected to the National Rail network, a great day for our community is fast approaching."
Lorna Edwards, Managing Director, Lawscript Limited
"One of the keys to building any new business is location. Lawscript based itself in Alloa specifically to recruit locally from within Clackmannanshire. As the company continues to grow it is clear that our net will have to be cast further afield. The reintroduction of a rail link to Alloa will mean we can attract employees from other areas in the Central belt.
"As a business, ease of access for both staff and client visits is essential. Our clients are located from Aberdeen to Brighton and I am excited at the prospect of jumping on the train in Alloa to go to a meeting in London, which will add a considerable reduction to my ever growing carbon footprint!"
Barry MacPherson, Chairman, Alloa & District Round Table
"I think it’s the best thing to happen in the “Wee County” for a number of years. This is for various reasons but the most important one is that it connects us back up to the main network which we have been sorely lacking.
"Most Alloa Round Tablers are involved in local business and the effects of the railway have already been felt in various ways from the boom in the local housing market to major companies investing in what they see as a very bright future for the area.
"Another key factor is the major improvements on the side of the railway line in the way of landscaping, new walkways, bridges etc. This is something that was left to go to ruin after the previous railway link was stopped.
"I would say overall Clackmannanshire is going to be a far better place thanks to the reinstatement of the railway line."
