Proposals for a new north-east railway station have been given a cash boost.
The Scottish Government has confirmed it will increase its share of investment in the £12.2million Kintore station from 50 to 60%, and provide £7m.
The remaining cost will be paid for by Aberdeenshire Council and North East Regional Transport Partnership (Nestrans).
Last night, the authority’s infrastructure chief welcomed the funding increase.
Councillor David Aitchison, chairman of the infrastructure services committee, said: “This additional funding from the Scottish Government for the new station is very good news.
“Aberdeenshire Council and Nestrans will continue to work in partnership with the Scottish Government to ensure the project moves forward, unlocking substantial economic benefit to Kintore and wider Aberdeenshire.”
Local councillors claimed the initiative would be a huge boost for the town.
East Garioch councillor, Fergus Hood, said: “It is all good news for Kintore and I think Transport Scotland and Network Rail have indicated they hope the Kintore station will be open by the end of 2018 because there is some other arrangements they need to put in place for the double track.
“People are absolutely up for it. A number of local residents have contacted me and said, ‘when is the station opening?’ It will be a big boost for Kintore.
“Cars getting in and out of Aberdeen isn’t the easiest of jobs at times. So this is a positive outcome because there was a gap in funding.”
Fellow ward councillor, Martin Ford, added: “This is good news and it is another step forward towards the delivery of the much-needed station for Kintore.”
