Plans for a new footbridge at Elgin Railway Station have been hailed as a possible catalyst for improving a rundown area of the town.
Moray’s MSP Richard Lochhead believes the new bridge could provide a focus for other much-needed changes, particularly on the south side of the station.
Describing the area between the station and a supermarket as currently looking like a “no mans land”, Mr Lochhead said: “At the moment the area is giving a very poor image of Elgin to people arriving here.”
Transport Scotland has confirmed that early stages of planning and design work are underway with Network Rail.
Investigations have now begun to decided exactly where along the track the footbridge should be sited.
Mr Lochhead said: “In recent weeks I have met with Elgin Community Council who have long been campaigning for road and rail improvements.
“The confirmation of design work on the new pedestrian bridge at the station will be a boost for their efforts in this area.
“All of this has the potential to help focus on further improvements around the station.”
Councillor Graham Leadbitter, who represents the Elgin City South ward, said: “The issue of the state of the land on the south side of Elgin Station is something I have raised repeatedly.
“However, it has been difficult to find out who -if anybody – owns sections of the land there.
“The investment in a new pedestrian bridge should mean that far more people will be using the area. That, in turn, should make it a more attractive area to develop.
“Sadly, at the moment, it’s a really a poor excuse for a gateway to Elgin. We deserve to be seen in a far better light by rail passengers and others.
“I will be pushing for work to be done to resolve the land issues and to see this area put to practical use.”