THE SNP have promised to investigate the possibility of reopening the rail link between Alloa and Dunfermline.

Among the many policies contained in the party's manifesto, launched in Edinburgh yesterday, was a pledge to look at once again using the freight rail to ferry passengers from Clacks into Fife.

The announcement comes around a month after the last coal trains travelled along the line to Longannet Power Station, before its closure.

The manifesto said: "We will examine the case for an extension of the Stirling-Alloa rail line to Dunfermline by upgrading the existing Longannet freight line.”

The news was greeted well by Craig Miller, Scottish Labour's candidate for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, who said: "I am very supportive of the Alloa-Fife rail link, I've been pushing for it for some time now.

"It's a sensible idea, it will bring added business and tourism to the area, while allowing people in Clackmannanshire to get to and from the city much easier.

"I have been campaigning for a while on this and it's good to see others playing catch up."

Monica Wilson, secretary of the Clackmannan Development Trust (CDT), is hoping any plans to open up the Alloa-Dunfermline passenger line could bring lead to a new rail station in Clackmannan.

As reported previously, the concept had prompted a lot of interest in the town as they are likely plans to establish a halt at Kincardine.

Earlier this year, Clackmannanshire Councillor Donald Balsillie, who is also convener for enterprise and the environment, said: "Clackmannanshire Council is very supportive of the idea of reopening a passenger rail route around the River Forth to enhance and increase travel choices and support tourism and local business."

Ms Wilson added: "We would welcome the re-opening of the rail link and the inclusion of a rail halt at Clackmannan."

In a newsletter sent out by the CDT, the group said: "Using the existing rail infrastructure could open up a wealth of commercial and tourist opportunities. The petition called for the service to be extended to allow trains to take passengers from Alloa through the Fife circle, without the need to head into Edinburgh first.

"In February, the Alloa Advertiser reported that ‘for the time being, any new stops along the route will be be restricted to Kincardine and the coastal villages in Fife, with little chance of a station at Clackmannan’.

"Response to our post about this recently on our Facebook page has revealed that there is a demand for a station or rail halt for Clackmannan.

"The CDT is working to find out exactly what that demand might be and whether the community wishes us to campaign for it.

"We are liaising with Clackmannanshire councillors and officials about this as they are very supportive of the idea of utilising the route for passenger and freight traffic.

"At the moment the action plan being drawn up by the Longannet Task Force does not contain specific details about railway use.

"Once the new Scottish Government comes into being after the May elections we should have clearer idea of what the task force plans in this area."

A spokesman for the ScotRail Alliance added: “We are always open to discussing proposals to enhance the railway if they have a viable business case and meet a clear need.”