Levenmouth Rail Link: One Year On

As we mark the first anniversary of the Levenmouth Rail Link, Fife Council is reflecting on the positive economic and social impact its return has had on the region – whilst continuing to look to the future.

The £116 million rail link reconnected Leven and Cameron Bridge to Scotland's railway network on June 2, 2024, after a 55-year hiatus, ushering in a new era for local communities and acting as a catalyst for growth.

Local businesses have experienced increased patronage, and new enterprises are starting to emerge, invigorating the local economy. Improved accessibility has put Levenmouth back on the map as a prime tourist destination, attracting visitors eager to explore the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of Fife.

ScotRail’s May 2025 timetable has also brought further improvements on the Levenmouth branch with more services and more journey opportunities for customers across the region.

Customers in Leven now benefit from an enhanced service frequency, with two trains per-hours throughout the day. The second train per hour operates via Dunfermline and Cowdenbeath, providing better connections for communities across Fife.

Fife Council leader David Ross said: “The success of the Levenmouth Rail Link so far is a testament to the collaborative efforts of local volunteers, government bodies, and the community at large.

“It’s more than just a railway – it’s reconnecting communities, helping to boost the Fife economy, and providing a sustainable transport option for generations to come.

“We are committed to working hard with partners to ensure the railway continues to be a success and delivers benefits to as many people as possible over the years to come.”

Getting to and from Levenmouth has never been easier.

Alongside the new rail routes, significant infrastructure projects, including new paths and bridges, have been carried out, and enhanced bus services to complement rail services have been put in place. With hourly services to Edinburgh Waverley taking approximately 70 minutes, residents and visitors are starting to enjoy efficient and reliable travel options, benefiting commuters and day trippers while opening up educational and employment opportunities across the region and beyond.

For the economy, the rail link has been a game changer: supporting sustainable travel for tourists, locals, workers, and students; creating new opportunities for growth and development; and establishing the region as a thriving centre for business and community. Fife Council’s Economic Development team has led the development and promotion of new units and employment land to secure new occupiers and investment, while actively supporting existing local businesses with any issues or challenges they have faced.

Jim Parker, managing director of Fife Properties, said: “When we look at the housing data one year on, according to Rightmove, the only area to improve in house sales across Fife is Levenmouth.

“House prices are still doing well in comparison to the rest of Fife, with most going for over the valuation.

“We are definitely seeing more buyers from outside the area, which attracts more skills and investment.

“This clearly demonstrates that the housing market and inward investment wouldn’t have been as buoyant without the train station”.

Tourist attractions and golf clubs throughout the area have reported increased visitor numbers this year as a direct result of the rail link, and they hope to capitalise on that further this summer and going forward. Prior to the rail opening, Welcome to Fife and the Levenmouth Local Tourism Association (LLTA), in partnership with local stakeholders, have created a Levenmouth Tourism Action Plan (LTAP) featuring 90 local projects, and significant progress has been made against each. A range of resources have been developed to help people make the most of their time in the area, while designated LoveFife Information points will be up and running locally soon. Significant marketing activity prior to and after the railway’s opening has also proved successful, encouraging people from all walks of life to visit and explore what Fife and Levenmouth have to offer.

Michael Morris, from Leven Community Council and the Levenmouth Local Tourism Association, said: “The new rail station has been a transformative step in Levenmouth’s journey of regeneration and reconnection.

“By restoring a vital transport link, it has strengthened our ties to the rest of Fife and the nation, opening up new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

“More than just a station, this rail line represents progress—improving access to work, education, and leisure while reinforcing Levenmouth’s identity as a connected and thriving community.

“It’s a key milestone in our ongoing revitalization, bringing renewed optimism for the future.”

The Levenmouth Reconnected Programme (LRP), a £10 million package of measures funded by Fife Council and the Scottish Government, has supported dozens of worthwhile projects to date. These include the development of a new business park near Buckhaven and another in the pipeline at Mountfleurie, fostering investment and job creation. LRP cash has also left a lasting impression on communities, ranging from the creation of the new Leven Skate Park on Leven Prom and the Kennoway Pump Track to supporting CLEAR Buckhaven’s environmental enhancements in Methil and Buckhaven and inspiring young people via the Community Trade Hub. Scores of small grants under £5,000 have similarly been awarded via the LRP and have made a huge difference to supporting the community.

The LRP is also supporting the development of a Levenmouth-wide active travel network aimed at linking all communities and the two new rail stations, which will include more than 3km of routes along the River Leven corridor being developed as part of the River Leven Programme.

Looking ahead, Levenmouth isn’t resting on its laurels, the rail link is just the start. There’s more to come, with the LRP-backed transformation of the flax mill at Silverburn Park into a vibrant tourist attraction ongoing, developments at the Fife Heritage Railway site continuing, and work on the £5.8m Mountfleurie Active Travel Bridge and other active travel routes due to start later this year.

An extra £1 million was set aside in Fife Council’s revised capital plan in February for the much-needed reinstatement of the sea wall in Leven, which will begin as soon as possible; there will be further investment in Levenmouth’s town centres, such as the redevelopment of Kennoway’s Bishops Court; and further improvements along Leven Promenade are also planned.

Indeed, the Promenade, which has seen a huge increase in visitors, remains a key focus, and Fife Council is working to ensure existing hospitality and tourism businesses – and new ventures - can maximise the benefit from more footfall.

Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council spokesperson for finance, economy and strategic planning, said: "The Levenmouth Rail Link will be instrumental in supporting enterprise and business development in our region.

“Over the past year, we have seen significant improvements in connectivity, which have facilitated easier travel for residents, businesses, and tourists.

“This enhanced accessibility has attracted new investment and created opportunities for local businesses to thrive.

“The development of the Levenmouth Business Park near Buckhaven is a prime example of how new enterprises are emerging or growing, invigorating the local economy.

“As we look to the future, we are committed to promoting Levenmouth as a prime inward investment proposition as well as a premier visitor and tourism destination, leveraging the rail link to drive economic wealth building and sustainable growth."

A short video featuring the views of some of Leven's local councillors is also on the Levenmouth Reconnected YouTube channel here.