Rail services return to Aberdeenshire town after 60 years

Rail services will return to an Aberdeenshire town for the first time in almost 60 years next week.

The original Kintore station opened in 1854 but closed in 1964 as part of the Beeching cuts.

The new £15m station was funded by Transport Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and Nestrans and was built by Network Rail.

Rail services will return to the station, which is on the Aberdeen to Inverness route, on Thursday, October 15.

The station will be managed by ScotRail and has fully accessible, step-free access between platforms via a footbridge with lifts.

Transport Scotland said the station is also the largest electric vehicle charging location in north-east Scotland, with 24 of its 168 spaces fitted with charging points.

Transport secretary Michael Matheson said: “This new station is clear evidence of the Scottish Government’s commitment to the north east.

“It comes hot on the heels of line dualling between Aberdeen and Inverurie and the introduction of an Inverurie and Montrose Crossrail service.

“By providing a rail interchange that offers significant parking provision, with the largest electric vehicle charging facility in the north east as well as cycle storage facilities and bus links, we are making the decision to switch from private car to train even easier.

“It also offers wider regional benefits by removing the need to drive into Aberdeen city centre, with that reducing congestion and emissions.”

The station’s history has been incorporated into the new facility, with features including heritage benches and salvaged signs.

Alex Hynes, ScotRail managing director, said: “This new station will reconnect Kintore to the rail network for the first time in nearly six decades and create new opportunities for the local community.

“We’re working hard alongside both local and central government to open up the rail network to more people across Scotland and encourage greener journeys.

“The north east has seen a massive investment in its railway over the last five years with the completion of the Aberdeen-Inverness improvement project – which has increased capacity for more passenger and freight services – and the opening of new and redeveloped stations at Kintore and Forres.”

Reopening Kintore was made possible by double-tracking the line between Aberdeen and Inverurie.

Peter Argyle, depute leader of Aberdeenshire Council and chairman of its Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “This is a momentous day for the people of Kintore and is testament to the strength of the community’s long-running campaign for the return of the station.

“It cannot be underestimated just how transformative this facility will be, both for the local community and wider area.

“I am proud Aberdeenshire Council has played such a vital role in helping to fund such an important infrastructure project for the north east.”