The campaign to restore a rail line between the north-east and Aberdeen has taken a massive step forward.
Regional transport body Nestrans has revealed seven options are now being considered for improving links between the city and outlying towns.
One is the reopening of the railway from Dyce, north into the Buchan area.
The line could connect Ellon to Peterhead and Fraserburgh and communities have been lobbying for it to be brought back into use since Nestrans launched a strategic transport study
Last night, Aberdeenshire councillors who believe the return of trains would benefit the region said the move would be popular with local commuters.
East Garioch councillor Martin Ford said: “To bring that project forward, various technical appraisals will be required into the projected costs and benefits of reopening the line.”
Peterhead councillor Stephen Smith added: “The massive increase in rail travel in the north-east in recent years, coupled with the strong support from the public for a rail link locally, shows that re-establishment of a rail link to Buchan would not only be popular but would also open up economic opportunities for the area.
“It is clear that there is now real momentum behind a rail-based solution to relieve the congestion on roads into the north of Aberdeen.”
And Alan Gardiner, who represents the rural communities north of Peterhead, said: “I am very supportive of efforts to reopen the railway north from Aberdeen.
“The Nestrans report is a very welcome step forward and I now look forward to the next stage, which will involve wider public consultation on the various options.”
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has previously called for the next Scottish rail project to be based in his constituency.
“Fraserburgh, with a population of 15,000, is 37 miles from the nearest railway station, and Peterhead, with a population of 19,000, is 32 miles from the nearest railway station,” he said.
“That is the next big rail project and I hope that the government looks at it in early course.”