Transport Secretary announces Local Rail Development grants of £817k

Eight communities across Scotland are set to benefit from a share of the Local Rail Development Fund (LRDF) as confirmed by Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson.

The Cabinet Secretary made the announcement during a visit to see progress at the £14.5m Kintore station site, which is being progressed by Transport Scotland and Network Rail, in partnership with Nestrans and Aberdeenshire Council. The station project forms part of the wider £330m Aberdeen – Inverness Improvements project, the latest phase of which has seen the line between Aberdeen and Inverurie double tracked.

LRDF supports local and regional initiatives through grants to fund appraisal work; this will help applicants develop an evidence base for potential improvements. The Cabinet Secretary was joined in Kintore by Nestrans who have secured funding to take forward appraisal work for a project which explores cross-Aberdeen rail travel.

Mr Matheson said: “Since 2007, we have demonstrated our commitment to Scotland’s railway by investing around £8bn in rail services and infrastructure. Future investment partly relies on local communities embracing the potential it offers and, in turn, bringing forward new ideas."

“We know that the costs of transport appraisal can be a significant barrier, but appraisals are a fundamental evidence-gathering step when considering transport issues and opportunities. The Local Rail Development Fund responds to this by providing practical help for local stakeholders and I am pleased that the Fund remains popular with those looking to secure local benefits."

About Transport Scotland

Transport Scotland is the national transport agency for Scotland. We seek to deliver a safe, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable transport system for the benefit of the people of Scotland, playing a key role in helping to achieve the Scottish Government’s Purpose of increasing sustainable economic growth with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish.