I have just had a most useful chat with constituency MSP Audrey Nicoll as she begins the summer recess with a programme of advice surgeries. You can guess the topic I wanted to discuss: the potential re-opening of Newtonhill and Cove railway stations.

I’m pleased to say she remains on board and will press the new transport minister for progress.

We talked through the advantages and disadvantages of a halt in the community. I find it so frustrating seeing the two-carriage Montrose to Inverurie commuter service zoom through when it could so easily stop. Imagine a journey from Newtonhill to Aberdeen that takes about 15 minutes!