Accessibility at Leuchars Station

As the MP for North East Fife, one issue that I have campaigned on for several years is improving accessibility at Leuchars Railway Station – the principal rail link for St Andrews.

Leuchars is an incredibly important station for our area. It’s used daily by commuters, local residents, university students, and international visitors, acting as the main gateway to St Andrews and the wider region. Despite its significance and high footfall, the station continues to face major accessibility challenges. The ramps are steep and do not comply with accessibility standards, and there is no lift available for passengers who cannot manage the incline.

Earlier this month, ScotRail held a Fife Roundtable, and I was disappointed to learn that Leuchars had been categorised as a “lower priority” for accessibility improvements. This classification doesn’t reflect the reality for passengers who struggle to access the platforms or travel independently.

Following this, I wrote to ScotRail to raise my concerns and ask for clarification on the criteria used to determine Leuchars’ current rating. I’ve also urged them to reconsider this decision and ensure that improving access to the station is treated as a priority.

Accessibility is not a luxury – it’s a fundamental right. Everyone should be able to use public transport safely, confidently, and without barriers. For some of my constituents, the current situation means they simply cannot use their local station, cutting them off from essential services, work, and social opportunities.

For years, I’ve been calling for Leuchars to receive investment through the UK Government’s Access for All scheme, which provides funding to improve station accessibility across the country. Unfortunately, despite repeated efforts, progress has been limited.

Leuchars plays a vital role in connecting North East Fife to the rest of Scotland and beyond. It deserves to be treated as such. I will continue to press ScotRail to review their decision and take meaningful action to make Leuchars Station accessible to all.

Everyone, residents, students, and visitors alike, should be able to enjoy the benefits of rail travel, and I won’t stop pushing until Leuchars reflects that.