The campaign group behind a north-east rail revival is being awarded up to £165,000 over four years in a major boost for the ambitious plans, the Press and Journal can reveal.
It’s understood the major package of cash is being lined up to help with a feasibility study into reopening links between Dyce, Ellon, Fraserburgh and Peterhead.
The Campaign for North East Rail had asked for money as part of a wider £500m Scottish Government pot of cash for projects in the region.
Campaign co-chair Wyndham Williams welcomed the “significant” award.
“We sincerely believe this project has every chance of success,” he said on Saturday.
“Every railway that’s been reopened has gone beyond expectation.”
The award is being finalised as the SNP gather in Aberdeen for a three-day conference at the P&J Live arena, we have learned.
Delegates are expected to push for greater government support for the ambitious rail plan with a vote at the top of the agenda for day one.
Over the years of campaigning getting a rail line from Dyce to Ellon it has felt like an uphill battle.
– MSP Gillian Martin
The money comes from the Just Transition Fund – a £500m, 10-year commitment to support projects across the north-east and Moray.
Projects aim to help towards the region’s shift away from fossil fuel reliance, improve low-carbon industry and boost jobs and opportunities.
Peterhead is Scotland’s largest town without a rail link and an important location for energy generation.
A rail link could take heavy goods of the road network and better connect the surrounding communities with quicker links to Aberdeen and beyond.
‘Finally turned a corner’
Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin said an award on that scale would be great for the region.
“Over the years of campaigning getting a rail line from Dyce to Ellon it has felt like an uphill battle,” she said.
“Previous feasibility studies have been too narrow and ignored the huge economic potential for communities, businesses and the wider benefits of giving us fast, low emissions alternatives to our cars.
“Being given this funding by the Scottish Government to do a new and more comprehensive appraisal feels like we’ve finally turned a corner. If we can do it with Borders Rail, we can do it in the north-east.”
‘Great idea’
The work will involve Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils, and transport group Nestrans.
Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said new rail links would be a “great idea” while visiting campaigners in the north-east this summer.
The infamous Beeching cuts put an end to passenger transport in the 1960s.
Freight was controversially withdrawn as late as 1979 in Fraserburgh despite the increase in heavy industry and the beginning of the oil boom.
Much of the route became a walking and cycling path in the 1990s.
Conversation