CLACKMANNAN should get its own railway station, according to a Wee County candidate in the upcoming Holyrood elections.

Bus and rail services would be a key focus for Marion Robertson, who is set to contest the regional Mid Scotland and Fife seats for the Scottish Green in the Scottish Parliament elections on May 6.

The Muckhart woman, who runs a sustainable bed and breakfast in the rural village, has a background in environment and waste strategy, having worked for Falkirk Council.

Marion, who was selected by the party's Wee County branch, is making public transport a priority on the campaign trail, continuing Green calls to re-open the Alloa to Dunfermline railway line to passengers.

She said: "As a Green activist living in rural Clackmannanshire, I use public transport as much as I can.

"With more homes in the pipeline in this area, it's obvious that people and the planet will need improved and affordable bus and rail services.

"This would enable more low carbon mobility, reduce road congestion, air pollution and social isolation intensified by the pandemic.

"The Scottish Greens have been working hard to re-open the rail line between Alloa and Kincardine, ahead of the proposed Talgo train manufacturing base at Longannet.

"I will fight to make sure that we build back better, and that Clackmannan is not neglected and gets its own rail station."

Marion is third on the regional Scottish Greens list.

Others include current Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell, who has been representing the area since 2016 and is placed first.

Second on the list is Mags Hall, a political researcher and environmental campaigner from Dunfermline.

MSP Ruskell said: "Marion would be a fantastic representative for Mid Scotland and Fife.

"She has a wealth of experience and the vision to create a fairer, greener society.

"The next parliamentary session will be crucial as we rebuild from the pandemic.

"The Scottish Greens have a plan to invest in a green recovery, creating new jobs in renewable industries that are better for our communities and the planet.

"I look forward to working with Marion and my Green colleagues to ensure that the Scottish Parliament delivers for people in Clackmannanshire in the years ahead."