The Scottish Government has not allocated any funding towards building two new train stations in Cove and Newtonhill in its 2025/26 budget, it has been revealed.
In response to a written question from North East MSP Liam Kerr, the Scottish Government said there is “currently no provision” for two additional stops on the East Coast line between Aberdeen and Laurencekirk over the next financial year.
It follows a petition set up by Mr Kerr calling for both Cove and Newtonhill stations to be reopened after closing more than 65 years ago.
Backed by the Campaign For North East Rail (CNER), the petition, which has gathered more than 1,600 signatures, says bringing rail services directly to Cove and Newtonhill would improve connectivity and help to reduce congestion on routes including the A90, A92 and Wellington Road.
Regional transport body Nestrans intends to collate a detailed options appraisal after stations at Cove and Newtonhill were identified as transport priorities in the region.
Both stations closed in 1956, and in 2020, Transport Scotland issued £80,000 of funding to Nestrans to conduct a feasibility study into the reopening of both platforms, however the Scottish Government has confirmed no money has been given towards the projects for 2025/26.
Scottish Conservative North East MSP Liam Kerr said: “It’s deeply disappointing that the SNP government has not allocated any funding for the forthcoming year for new stations at Cove and Newtonhill.
“In September last year, a new railway station was approved to be built at Balgray in East Renfrewshire, yet the North East continues to be pushed further down the line.
“The demand for new stations at Cove and Newtonhill has never been bigger as more people move to the outskirts of the city.
“These stations would offer a faster, more environmentally friendly route for passengers while enhancing the economy by creating new business opportunities.
“The North East has been held back for too long on rail which is why I will continue to push the Scottish Government to get on board with this exciting project and commit to developing new stations at both Cove and Newtonhill.”
In her written response to Mr Kerr’s questions, transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “There is currently no provision in the draft Budget 2025/26 for new stations at Cove and Newtonhill as we are awaiting the formal investment case being conducted by Nestrans to conclude.”
