New data shows fewer people were using most North-east railway stations year on year.

Figures released by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for the 2019/20 financial year show there was 4,632,668 entries and exits in North-east stations, compared to 4,806,218 the year before.

However, several stations saw an increase, including Portlethen and Laurencekirk.

The figures for Aberdeenshire stations are contained in the clipping from the ORR website.

This obviously predates the impact of the pandemic. We also now have the regular Montrose – Inverurie commuter service which in normal times should have seen this year’s footfall increase.