Kintore Station: Rail services return to Aberdeenshire town after almost 60 years

Kintore railway station in Aberdeenshire will be brought back into use next week – nearly six decades after it was closed down.

The original Kintore station opened in 1854 but was closed in 1964 as part of the Beeching cuts.

The new £15 million station was funded by Transport Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and Nestrans and was built by Network Rail.

Rail services will return to the station, which is on the Aberdeen to Inverness route, on Thursday October 15.

Kintore Station in Aberdeenshire will open for the first time in almost 60 years next week.

The station will be managed by ScotRail and has fully accessible, step-free access between platforms via a footbridge with lifts.

Transport Scotland said the station is also the largest electric vehicle charging location in north-east Scotland, with 24 of its 168 spaces fitted with charging points.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “This new station is clear evidence of the Scottish Government’s commitment to the north east.

“It comes hot on the heels of line dualling between Aberdeen and Inverurie and the introduction of an Inverurie and Montrose Crossrail service.

“By providing a rail interchange that offers significant parking provision, with the largest electric vehicle charging facility in the north east as well as cycle storage facilities and bus links, we are making the decision to switch from private car to train even easier.

“It also offers wider regional benefits by removing the need to drive into Aberdeen city centre, with that reducing congestion and emissions.”

The station’s history has been incorporated into the new facility, with features including heritage benches and salvaged signs.

Reopening Kintore was made possible by double-tracking the line between Aberdeen and Inverurie.

Peter Argyle, depute leader of Aberdeenshire Council and chairman of its Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “This is a momentous day for the people of Kintore and is testament to the strength of the community’s long-running campaign for the return of the station.

“It cannot be underestimated just how transformative this facility will be, both for the local community and wider area.

“I am proud Aberdeenshire Council has played such a vital role in helping to fund such an important infrastructure project for the north east.”

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