Transport Minister Keith Brown has visited Gleneagles Station ahead of preparations for next year's Ryder cup tournament.

During the visit, Minister Brown unveiled a Scottish Government contribution of £1m towards the new £3.8m link road which will improve both safety and access between Gleneagles Station and the A9.

Perth & Kinross Council are managing the project and have contributed £1.5m to the project, along with £1.2m from TACTRAN.

Councillor Ian Miller, Leader of Perth & Kinross Council, said: "Perth & Kinross Council has been working for many years to secure the improvement of road access to Gleneagles station, making it sager and opening opportunities for a local transport hub.

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"We're delighted that the project has come to fruition in time for the Ryder Cup. The new link road is a key project in our Legacy programme, ensuring long-term benefits for our residents."

Councillor Will Dawson, Chair of Tactran added: "Tactran has worked closely with Perth & Kinross Council, Transport Scotland, First ScotRail and Network Rail to secure delivery of this major enhancement of station facilities at Gleneagles.

"Through ongoing work on our Tay Estuary Rail Strategy we will continue to work with our partners to build on these infrastructure improvements and ensure lasting legacy benefits for the local community and visitors to the region."

Whitemountain Quarries has been awarded the contract for the link road.

Work on the project started on last week and is expected to be completed by June 2014.

Gleneagles Station is also undergoing a facelift which will see an overhaul of the station buildings, the installation of new lifts to improve platform access, new waiting rooms and toilet facilities.

The station will also be completely repainted while a temporary footbridge will be installed over the A9 to ensure safe pedestrian access to the course during the Ryder Cup.

(JP/IT)