Revamp of Gleneagles transport links completed

A total of £3.5 million has been spent of refurbishing Gleneagles Station and the construction of a new £3.9 million link road connecting the station to the nearby A9.

Gleneagles Railway Station buildings have been overhauled with new lifts installed, new waiting rooms, toilet facilities and the installation of WIFI.

The new link road gives safer access to the A9 north and south. The station car park has also been upgraded, providing around 100 spaces as well as cycle racks and a bus turning area.

Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP said: “As we look forward to welcoming hundreds of thousands of golf fans to Gleneagles in September - and with millions more watching on television – these road and rail enhancements will help deliver the best possible travel experience for those attending this renowned event.

“At the heart of this work has been our commitment to ensure that this partnership investment in Gleneagles road and rail will deliver a lasting transport legacy.

“That means improvements in road safety and investment in public transport designed to ensure long term benefits for the local community.

“As The 2014 Ryder Cup returns to Scotland, the Home of Golf, this is the latest demonstration that Scotland’s transport infrastructure is central to our planning for Year of Homecoming 2014 Signature events like The 2014 Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games”.

Legacy

Antonia Beggs, Operations Director at Ryder Cup Europe said work would create a “lasting legacy”.

“The creation of the improved road access to Gleneagles Station will provide a lasting legacy to local residents.

“We are delighted that these improvements have been put in place to help create a world-class event experience for ticket-holders. The 2014 Ryder Cup will bring 250,000 spectators to Gleneagles and this station access is a key component of our transport planning.”

During The 2014 Ryder Cup, the station improvements will be further boosted by additional rail services for the event, with 7500 spaces for spectators daily.

A temporary footbridge will also be installed over the A9 to ensure safe pedestrian access to the course during The 2014 Ryder Cup.