Calls have been made for ScotRail to progress plans to build a new train depot in Elgin, which would bring new jobs to the area and an increase in services to Inverness and Aberdeen.
It emerged that rail bosses were planning to build a new depot and overnight stabling buildings for diesel trains alongside the tracks in 2017.
At that time, the organisation said it had “made good progress in making a commercial case” for the venture.
But now, two years on, frustrated passengers are demanding the scheme move forward.
George Littlejohn, a member of Elgin Community Council, last night explained the benefits that a depot could bring.
He said: “This started quite a while ago, and we have been lobbying Scotrail for better services.
“One way to do that is to create a depot here for trains arrive late at night to be kept in overnight, before being cleaned out here and moving on to Aberdeen or Inverness in the morning.
“This would bring a good wage into the wider community with drivers, conductors and cleaners all being based here.”
The last train from Inverness to Moray leaves the Highland Capital at 9.30pm at present, meaning that anyone from the region attending a late show or concert there is left seeking alternative travel arrangements.
Similar problems exist for people trying to return to the region from Aberdeen, with the final train heading north at 10pm.
The community council reckons the creation of a rail yard would mean more journeys to Elgin late at night, and from the town in the morning.
Moray MSP, Richard Lochhead, said he discussed the matter with ScotRail managing director Alex Hynes during a recent meeting.
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Mr Lochhead said: “One issue raised time and time again is the need for later train services to enable people to attend events in Inverness and Aberdeen late at night and get back home to Moray afterwards.
“One way which they can deliver that is to have an Elgin rail depot established where drivers actually finish their shifts in Elgin – which would lead in turn to more jobs in Moray and would mean later services can be run.
“In my meeting with Mr Hynes he indicated it is something that is being considered, and it would also have an economic boost as there will be more jobs based here in Elgin.”
A ScotRail spokesman confirmed that the organisation is “looking at how we can operate an earlier first service from Elgin to Inverness, and later last services from Inverness to Elgin”.
