Flynn urged to commit to two new train stations in his constituency

Liam Kerr has written to Stephen Flynn saying he now has “nowhere to hide” on calls to build two new train stations in his own constituency after being named as the SNP’s new transport secretary.

In his letter, the North East MSP has demanded that Flynn publicly commits to reopening platforms at Cove and Newtonhill that closed 70 years ago after overwhelming public support for the proposals.

Mr Kerr warned the new SNP transport secretary that Mr Flynn’s own constituents expect him to progress the plans, with there being “no justification for further inaction”.

It follows the absence of any mention of the proposals in John Swinney’s Programme for Government earlier this month, which details the work ministers will do over the coming 12 months.

A cost-benefit analysis by regional transport body Nestrans has revealed building a new station at Cove could bring as much as £28.9 million of economic benefits, against costs of £11.7 million.

A new stop at Newtonhill is forecast to lead to £22.5 million in benefits, compared to 11.7m in costs.

Liam Kerr MSP launched a campaign in 2023 to resurrect Cove and Newtonhill stations which closed in 1956.

His petition, backed by Cove Rangers FC and the Campaign for North East Rail, has been signed by around 2,000 people calling on the Scottish Government to reopen both platforms.

Following Flynn’s appointment as Scotland’s transport secretary, Mr Kerr said: “As someone who lives in this area, Stephen Flynn now has nowhere to hide on fast-tracking these plans for the benefit of his constituents, and the wider North East economy.

“I know the money is available to make these plans a reality because the SNP have opened new train stations in the central belt, yet rail travel across the North East continues to be abandoned.”

In his letter to Stephen Flynn, Liam Kerr MSP said: “I am writing to you both as Scotland’s transport secretary and as the constituency MSP for Cove and Newtonhill, since this is now a test not just of policy, but of your commitment to the communities you represent.

“The case for reopening both stations is no longer speculative, it is vital.

“After decades of delay, there is no justification for further inaction.

“The reality is simple: if your government is serious about the North East, these stations must now be delivered.

“I therefore seek and request a public commitment from you to progressing Cove and Newtonhill stations, both as constituency MSP and as transport secretary.”