Fresh calls have been made to reopen two “transformational” railway stations at Cove and Newtonhill after journeys at nearby Portlethen have risen by around 150%.
The new figures, released by ScotRail under freedom of information, also show a 20% rise in journeys between Aberdeen and Dundee, increasing from 85,457 in 2022 to 102,460 in 2025.
At Portlethen in Aberdeenshire, situated less than five miles away from both Cove and Newtonhill, journeys from the station have risen to a staggering 67,540 in 2025 compared to 27,136 in 2022,
Travel from other destinations to Portlethen Station has also jumped from 17,844 in 2022 to 30,402 last year.
North East MSP Liam Kerr launched a campaign in 2023 to resurrect Cove and Newtonhill stations which closed more than 65 years ago.
His petition, backed by Cove Rangers FC and the Campaign for North East Rail, has been signed by thousands of people calling on the Scottish Government to reopen both platforms.
He believes the rise in journeys at Portlethen, and between Aberdeen to Dundee, underline that “demand has never been higher” for opening the two stations.
Scottish Conservative North East MSP Liam Kerr said: “These figures send a strong message to the Scottish Government that reopening both Cove and Newtonhill stations must happen.
“Passenger demand has never been higher for resurrecting the two stations – both of which would be transformational for the North East.
“The Scottish Government opened new stations at Hairmyres and East Kilbride last year, yet SNP ministers continue to neglect the expansion of rail travel across the North East.
“There is no excuse not to do the same for Cove and Newtonhill, which would enhance connectivity, reduce congestion on roads like the A90, and foster sustainable and economic growth for both communities.
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“I now hope to present these journey numbers to the Scottish Government in parliament to finally get Cove and Newtonhill back on the map.”
A cost-benefit analysis published by regional transport body Nestrans last December 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 with 11.7 million in costs.
