EAST Linton’s new £15 million railway station has welcomed its first passengers today as the town rejoins the rail network after almost six decades.
The town’s rail link was lost when the original station closed in 1964, with the reconnection of East Linton to the national rail network following the completion of work to construction the new station as part of the Scottish Government’s investment in Scotland’s railway.
Transport minister Fiona Hyslop was joined on the first train to East Linton from Edinburgh by those involved in the construction of the station, as well as a wide range of local people and groups who had campaigned for its return.
The train was greeted on arrival by a piper and the minister was joined by local school children from East Linton Primary school to celebrate the return of passenger services to the town. a Plaque was unveiled to mark the opening of the station.
Network Rail said it expects around 130,000 journeys to be made to and from East Linton in the first year of its operation. Commuters will be able to connect into Edinburgh Waverley, with direct access to the east coast main line also available for services to Dunbar and Newcastle.
The new station boasts two 158m long platforms and is fully accessible with step-free access across the railway via a footbridge with lifts.
Fiona Hyslop, minister for transport, said, “The new East Linton station is the latest example of this Scottish Government’s commitment to building and investing in Scotland’s Railway. Our aim is to encourage more people out of their car and onto sustainable public transport.
“The station will open up education, leisure, and business opportunities for East Linton’s growing community, while also offering greener ways to travel as we work towards our ambitious net zero goals.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has worked to deliver this project, on the ground and in the background, as we look forward to welcoming passengers for many years to come.”
Alex Hynes, MD of Scotland’s Railway, added, “The new East Linton station is an exciting development that has the potential to help transform the area by improving transport links and triggering further investment and economic growth.
“The station will offer East Linton’s growing population a more sustainable, cleaner travel option and is an important part of our commitment – alongside the Scottish Government – to expand the rail network and open-up Scotland’s Railway to new communities.
“Our project team has worked incredibly hard to deliver this new station and we look forward to seeing the positive impact the station will have in the community in years to come.”
