Reopening two railway platforms in Cove and Newtonhill could unlock up to £29 million of benefits to local economy

Reopening two railway stations in Cove and Newtonhill that closed almost 70 years ago could unlock up to £29 million of benefits to the local economy, a new report has found.

The 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 with 11.7 million in costs.

Scottish Conservative North East MSP Liam Kerr has been a leading voice in the campaign to reopen both stations, which closed in 1956, with his petition that has gathered more than 1,700 signatures from residents and businesses in support of the plans.

The petition, which has been backed by the Campaign for North East Rail and Cove Rangers, states that bringing rail services directly to Cove and Newtonhill would bring “enormous benefits” by improving connectivity and helping to reduce congestion on roads.

It comes as Mr Kerr criticised the absence of any mention of the proposals in John Swinney’s Programme for Government last month, which details the work ministers will do over the coming 12 months.

The document only referenced plans for new stations at Winchburgh in West Lothian and Newburgh in Fife.

On the cost-benefit analysis, 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 is a no-brainer.

“The huge benefit-cost ratio, as well as the low operational costs, underlines the significant economic opportunities that these stations would unlock, not only for Cove and Newtonhill, but the wider North East region.

“My petition has now gathered more than 1,700 signatures which shows the strength of public feeling for turning these plans into a reality.

“Cove and Newtonhill need new stations to connect residents with the jobs, education and leisure opportunities that will make these communities an even greater place to live and work.

“We know the money is there from the Scottish Government because they opened a new Hairmyres train station last month, but far too often North East rail is being abandoned for other parts of the country.

“However, I’m delighted this report is another major step in the journey to finally reopening Cove and Newtonhill railway stations.”