The first minister is seeking answers from Aberdeenshire Council about delays to a major transport scheme.
A disused freight yard at Inverurie Rail Station could be redeveloped into an interchange which would include bus stops, footpaths and cycling facilities along with extra parking.
In April, Network Rail said they were in a position to move forward with draft legal agreements which would allow the local authority to take ownership of the site.
But a report outlining the detailed design options is not due to be considered by the authority’s Garioch area committee until the end of the month.
Aberdeenshire East MSP Alex Salmond said: “Despite previous assurances that the council would be considering design options in early May, the area committee has since met on three occasions where the freight yard was not on the agenda.
“It is very disappointing to note that we must now wait until the end of the month – an unwelcome setback to an already overdue project.”
Network Rail are the current owners of the site but were given approval to dispose of it at the beginning of April.
Mr Salmond added: “There is significant demand amongst my constituents and the local business community for the derelict site to be put to much better use – increasing parking capacity in the centre of the town and joining up public transport.
“It is important that the council accounts for this hold-up and renews its commitment to delivering the project, and doing so without further delay.”
Chairman of the council’s infrastructure services committee councillor Peter Argyle said: “The council has previously said that there was no timescale set on this project and a report will come to the committee when it is ready.
“Network Rail have agreed to the sale but these things are always complicated.
“Officers are working to deliver the project as soon as possible because it is of huge importance, not just to Inverurie but to the whole of Aberdeenshire.”