MSP candidates standing in May’s Scottish Parliament election have been challenged to support three rail projects which campaigners say could transform the North-east within the next five years.
Campaign for North East Rail (CNER), backed by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC), is calling on candidates to pledge that, if elected, they will do everything in their power to deliver the schemes during the next parliamentary term.
The three priorities are:
- Begin building Buchan Rail links within the next parliamentary session
- Complete all promised rail works between Aberdeen and the Central Belt
- Open new railway stations on the existing line at Cove Bay and Newtonhill
CNER said major groundwork on all three projects has already been completed, leaving them primed to move into the delivery phase.
Jordan Jack, general secretary of Campaign for North East Rail, said: “Our campaign has worked hard over the past five years to carefully follow the process for prospective infrastructure projects in Scotland. The election in 2026 is very different from the election we faced in 2021, we have done the studies, the groundwork is laid, and we have the evidence.
"Our elected politicians will have the opportunity to make living in the North East significantly better over their time in office, should they bring the political will to push these projects ahead with them into Parliament.
“Transforming access to work, healthcare, education and the rest of the country, facilitating investment in our region, connecting people and places with modern infrastructure. This change is within our grasp in this election.”
There is huge public support for reopening key North-east rail routes, according to recent polling by AGCC and True North Advisors.
The survey of more than 1,300 people across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire found more than three-quarters of respondents back new rail links from Aberdeen to Ellon, Peterhead and Fraserburgh.
The findings come after the SNP said in its manifesto launch yesterday it would advance consideration of restoring rail services to the three towns if re-elected.
AGCC chief executive Russell Borthwick said delivering the rail schemes would show the North-east had not been forgotten.
He said: “Delivering on these vital rail projects over the next five years will help prove to the people of the North-east that government and its agencies do not consider this region as out of sight and out of mind.
“The earlier Buchan Rail studies provide clear evidence of safety, social, health and economic benefits. Additionally, a railway carrying more people and freight can turbocharge our regional economic and sector diversification strategies supporting the energy transition as well as established industries in the area such as tourism and food, drink, agriculture and fisheries.
“It would enable the decarbonisation of our transport systems by enabling a shift from road to rail, help cut accidents on the region’s roads by 75% and drastically reduce emissions from passenger travel and the movement of goods.
“I urge all key decisionmakers and political representatives to get behind this necessary infrastructure for our region. Something we have called for as a key part of our economic growth themed election manifesto.”