Council welcomes Conon Bridge Railway Station reopening

Highland Councillors have warmly welcomed news from the Scottish Government that Conon Bridge Railway Station will be reopened in time for the resurfacing works being Work on the £600,000 project is expected to start next month.

Closed since 1960, the station  will service the Far North and the Kyle Lines, giving locals a convenient alternative to driving, both during the essential repairs to Kessock Bridge and beyond.

Council Leader Drew Hendry led the welcome at today’s meeting of the Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee.

He said:  “This is great news not just for the local community but the benefits will spread wider to the whole Highlands. Recently we have seen a big increase in passengers commuting by rail into Inverness so the re-opening of Conon Station will provide even more opportunities for people to make the switch from car to rail travel. In recognition of this and to ensure this worthwhile project is established I am delighted that The Highland Council has agreed to contribute the appropriate funds, namely £100,000 towards the costs of the re-opening and a further £100,000 to the cost of upgrading the car park.”

Councillor Angela MacLean, Dingwall and Seaforth, said : “The community welcomes the news that work will start next month on the re-opening of Conon Bridge Railway Station.  Commuters will be able to leave their cars at home and walk or cycle to catch the train from February 2013. This project has only been possible because of partnership working over a number of years and the willingness of all stakeholders to work together.  I would like to thank them all, but in particular Friends of the North Line for their continued support over many years.”

Councillor Alister Mackinnon, former chairman of the local community council who represents Dingwall and Seaforth, added: “I am just delighted for the community that the funding has been found for this much-needed facility.  It marks the end of a long campaign to get this project up and running and it is a real bonus that the station will be open before work starts on the Kessock Bridge.”