Highland train station reopens

Feb 8 2013

A Highland railway station has been reopened, marking the return of train services more than five decades after the original was closed.

Transport Minister Keith Brown officially opened the new £600,000 Conon Bridge station, between Muir of Ord and Dingwall on the Far North line.

It offers an alternative to commuters and could ease road congestion when resurfacing work is being carried out on the Kessock Bridge from this month to June next year.

Mr Brown said: "Improving access to rail services is an important factor in encouraging people to use the train and I am delighted to be here today to launch a brand new station for the people of Conon Bridge.

"Instead of travelling to Dingwall, locals can now access trains into Inverness and beyond right here on their doorstep. This will be particularly beneficial during the major upgrade to the Kessock Bridge in coming months and I hope people will take advantage of this as an alternative to driving into Inverness during these works."

David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said: "The delivery of the new station on time, within budget and to such a tight timescale shows what can be achieved when organisations work together to deliver for passengers.

"The reopening of Conon Bridge has been a real team effort by the rail industry and local and central government, which will bring significant benefits for the people of Conon Bridge."

The station will be served by 13 trains a day to Inverness, Monday to Saturday, and 11 northbound services Monday to Thursday, with an additional late-night service on Friday and Saturday.