Up to £2 million is being made available for local Scottish communities develop business cases for new railway stations and lines.

The Local Rail Development Fund, which was established following the Scottish Greens' negotiations with the government, will allow community groups, local councils and transport partnerships to apply for funding to help them progress plans for new rail infrastructure.

A briefing published by Green MSPs on Monday highlighted suggestions from campaign group Railfuture Scotland for 50 potential new stations across Scotland including Allander at Milngavie, Evanton in Easter Ross, Newburgh in Fife, and Rhu near Helensburgh.

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The party's transport spokesperson, John Finnie MSP, said: "By influencing the Government's strategy for rail investment, Green MSPs are ensuring communities can be well connected while accelerating Scotland's low-carbon transition so our infrastructure is fit for the future.

"Access to public transport is a social justice issue and establishing this fund shows Greens are determined to make Scotland fairer."

Environment Spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said: "Getting communities connected to the rail network will boost local economies and help reduce climate change emissions by providing people with an alternative to car journeys.

This £2 million fund is a great opportunity for community groups and we're encouraging them to get their bids in before the deadline a week on Friday."

The fund is open for bids until Friday, 08 June.

(LM/MH)