The rumble of trains across rural Aberdeenshire could become a reality once again – if enough people ask for a service to be reinstated.
The North East of Scotland Transport Partnership (Nestrans) is currently running a consultation on travel links between Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Aberdeen, and how they can be improved for local people.
And among its options the group is seeking public opinion on the reinstatement of a rail service.
Last night Aberdeenshire councillors Paul Johnston and Martin Ford said the survey could help to strengthen the case for the return of a rail line from Dyce to Ellon.
Mr Ford said: “This Nestrans survey on transport between Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Aberdeen is well timed, given the increasing support for including rail re-opening to Ellon in the proposed Aberdeen City Region Deal.
“There is no doubt we need better public transport to cut road congestion and the emissions that are causing climate change.
“Reinstating rail services on part of the Formartine and Buchan line does look a potentially achievable option that would undoubtedly bring considerable benefits.”
Mr Johnston urged residents to take part in the consultation process.
He added: “It’s also important to start thinking about what intermediate stations would be needed, for example Udny Station and Newmachar, to serve the population along the route.”
The launch of the Nestrans study comes after Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee lent its backing to an investigation into the feasibility of restoring a modern rail service in the Buchan area.
Such a line would link Peterhead and Ellon through Maud – currently a popular walking route along the decommissioned tracks.
Passenger services ceased in the 1960s and the line was closed to goods trains in 1979.
However, in March, the Press and Journal revealed an ambitious project to reinstate the Aberdeen to Ellon railway line could be packaged into a proposed £2.9billion City Region deal for the north-east.
The former Formartine and Buchan line has been the subject of much debate in recent years, with campaigners calling for it to be reopened as an option for taking freight off the A90 Aberdeen-Peterhead road.