The SNP today hailed the opening of a £300m rail link that re-establishes passenger services between North Lanarkshire and West Lothian, straight through to Edinburgh, for the first time in 54 years.

The opening of the Scottish Government funded line was welcomed by local politicians representing communities along its route.

John Mason, the SNP Scottish Parliament candidate for Shettleston, who travelled on the line this morning between Garrowhill and Edinburgh, said: “This line will become a lifeline link between east and west, opening up economic opportunities for communities right along the route and improving travel links for the east end of Glasgow.

"Credit must go to Stewart Stevenson for his role in the delivery of this crucial infrastructure project both on time and within budget.”

Central Scotland MSP Alex Neil said: “The completion of this line in just four years is a great achievement, delivered on time and on budget by the SNP Government. The line will open up economic opportunities right across central Scotland bringing new jobs and boosting property prices.

Lothians MSP Fiona Hyslop said: “The line opens up the heart of Scotland for jobs, the economy and will connect communities from Lothian to Lanarkshire, as well as directly creating jobs along the route in West Lothian.