MSP renews calls for rail links in Aberdeenshire
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Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin has called on the Scottish Government to press ahead with plans for a rail connection from Aberdeen City to Ellon as alternative means of travel for commuters.
It comes after the Scottish Government said it would look again at infrastructure in the north-east which includes whether to extend rail as far north as Peterhead and Fraserburgh.
During Portfolio Questions at the Scottish Parliament Ms Martin called on Transport Minister Graeme Dey to show what was being done to help drivers rely less heavily on petrol and diesel cars.
Ms Martin said: “The government has pledge to revisit the development of a rail connection between Aberdeen City and Ellon, with a possible extension onwards to Peterhead and Fraserburgh, but even if we are successful in realising this, it’s not going to happen overnight.
“With many people having no option but to use their cars in my constituency what is the Scottish Government doing to allow us in rural Scotland and Aberdeenshire to rely less heavily on petrol and diesel cars in our everyday lives.”
In response the Transport Minister Graeme Dey said there was a “very great deal” of support going in to the north-east and said the Scottish Government was working closely with Nestrans with regard to a “mass transit proposal”.
Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said: “I have long campaigned for improved rail and transport links in my constituency of Aberdeenshire East. With our ambitious targets for net zero by 2045, providing alternative means of travel for commuters is even more important.
“There are so many people in Aberdeenshire who are keen to see improved infrastructure by way of additional rail, building upon other projects such as the AWPR and the dualling of the A96.
“I will continue to press for a rail link to Ellon which would be of great benefit to commuters who are keen to reduce their car usage and be able to take the train or a bicycle to work.”
