North Kincardine councillor Ian Mollison has welcomed the extra investment at Portlethen railway station by the Scottish Government, announced this week.

Cycle shelters will be built at various stations, including Portlethen as part of a £5.27m package across Scotland.

Cllr Mollison said: “Although any investment at Portlethen station is most welcome, what is really needed is a ticket vending machine.

“I have heard of commuters who have been delayed significantly at the barrier at Aberdeen because they were unable to buy a ticket on the train. In one case a Portlethen resident felt he was being treated like a criminal. That is not the way to encourage more people to take the train.

“I have called previously for a ticket machine to be installed: it is time to repeat that call.”