Calls to re-open a derelict Aberdeenshire station are building up a head of steam.
In a report to Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee next week, Nestrans has said it is submitting a bid to the Transport Scotland local rail development fund to examine potential sites between Aberdeen and Laurencekirk.
The funding would allow Nestrans to work with local councils on station options for inclusion in the regional transport strategy.
There have been calls to re-open the former Newtonhill station, which was shut in 1956 after 100 years of operation, as the number of houses in local areas has increased.
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie wrote to constituents to gauge support for the re-opening, and received more than 100 responses.
He said: “It is clear to me that there is growing support for the re-opening of Newtonhill railway station.
“There will be more than 10,000 new houses as part of the Chapelton of Elsick development alone.
“Even with the opening of the AWPR, that still makes a strong case for an extra station.
“The re-opening of Laurencekirk in 2009 has been an unqualified success, and I believe we would see a similar positive response from travellers to Newtonhill.
“I will continue to make the case for more infrastructure improvements in the north-east – and I am pleased to see Nestrans pushing ahead with these plans.”