Line opening hits buffers

THE jinxed £300 million new Airdrie to Bathgate rail line has suffered yet another setback after a planned visit by the First Minister was scrapped because of snow.

The line is supposed to open for business on Sunday and Alex Salmond was to complete a tour of the new route today, but planners were forced to concede defeat and put off the trip after thousands of passengers had services between the Bathgate and Edinburgh sections axed because of weather.