Progress on Buchan Rail Link Welcomed

Aberdeenshire Members of the Board of NESTRANS have welcomed the latest report looking at the possibility of re-establishing a rail link to Buchan.

At this afternoon’s (9 October) meeting of NESTRANS, officials tabled a report recommending further work on seven options for improved transport on the Aberdeen to Ellon, Fraserburgh and Peterhead corridor. Amongst the options is re-opening the railway line from Dyce northwards into Buchan.

Commenting, Cllr Martin Ford (Green-East Garioch), said:

“Aberdeenshire Council has already expressed its support in principle for re-opening the railway from Dyce to at least as far as Ellon.

“To bring that project forward, various technical appraisals will be required into the projected costs and benefits of re-opening the line. The report agreed at NESTRANS today allows that appraisal process to move forward to the next stage."

Cllr Stephen Smith (SNP-Peterhead South & Cruden) said:

“The massive increase in rail travel in the North-east in recent years, coupled with the strong support from the public for a rail link locally shows that re-establishment of a rail link to Buchan would not only be popular but would also open-up economic opportunities for the area.

“It is clear that there is now real momentum behind a rail-based solution to relieve the congestion on roads into the north of Aberdeen.”

Cllr Alan Gardiner (Independent-Peterhead North & Rattray), said:

“I am very supportive of efforts to re-open the railway north from Aberdeen. The NESTRANS report is a very welcome step forward and I now look forward to the next stage, which will involve wider public consultation on the various options.”

Cllr Martin Ford added:

“Earlier this week, I travelled on the re-opened Borders railway. I was very impressed with the new line, which is already experiencing demand in excess of forecasts. I would love to see the benefits being brought by the new Borders line replicated in the North-east.”