Local councillors Ian Mollison and Paul Melling today welcomed the news that a new Scottish Government fund could lead to the reopening of Newtonhill railway station, along with others across the country.

The £30million programme of improvements for railway stations across Scotland was announced by Keith Brown MSP, Minister for Housing and Transport.

North Kincardine councillors Ian Mollison and Paul Melling are urging North East transport partnership Nestrans to press for Newtonhill and Kintore stations being included in the government’s list.

Cllr Mollison said: “This is great news. These local stations would be well used – as long as enough trains stop! Portlethen station has suffered from a poor service from ScotRail.

“Hopefully a fresh look at rail services around Aberdeen will see that more stations and services will take the pressure off our roads, and be better for the environment. The North East should be a priority.”

Cllr Melling said: “Unfortunately the funding will not become available for two years, but nonetheless this is a step in the right direction.

“Laurencekirk station, the new Alloa line and the Airdrie-Bathgate line have exceeded expectations since re-opening. They were all planned by the previous Liberal Democrat – Labour coalition Scottish Government.”

Nearly 70 stations have been added to the Scottish network within the past 30 years, which now totals 350 stations. New stations cost around £2.5m-£3.5m to open.

http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/Rail-stations-investment