Proposals to open a station in the village of East Linton, for the first time in over half a century, have just been approved by East Lothian Council's planning committee.
The station first opened in the village of East Linton in 1846, but the last passenger services ended in 1964.
Following extensive engagement with the community and 2 years of local campaigners pushing for the return of the station, the planning application was finally submitted back in December 2020.
Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway said, “now that we have clarity on the planning decision, we will move to get onsite as quickly as possible and work with our partners to deliver this new station for our customers and the wider East Linton community."
"It will deliver significant benefits to East Lothian by providing easy local access to the East Coast mainline services.”
The innovative plans involve the construction of a two-platform station on the East Coast mainline, alongside 126 car parking spaces.
The station will also be fully accessible, with lifts and a footbridge connecting both platforms.
Transport Minister, Graeme Dey, said “I welcome this announcement which is another significant step towards delivery of this important new station and will bring new travel opportunities to East Linton and the surrounding area.”
The new station is set to support economic growth by offering a connection into Edinburgh Waverley, providing a valuable new link to public transport, therefore opening the door for residents in the area to access an expanded range of employment, leisure, education and opportunities
The Minister added, “the Scottish Government has committed funding for this scheme which will have real potential to deliver a number of benefits for the local communities, including those who live in the village and commute into Edinburgh, and it will also help towards supporting our green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Typically, station projects act as a catalyst for further investment and economic development in local areas.
Through the construction of the new station, hopes are that it will help support such investment in the community and further out, significantly improving connectivity.
Councillor Norman Hampshire, East Lothian Council’s Environment spokesperson, said “ the Council is very supportive of the station project as it will deliver significant benefits to East Lothian by providing easy local access to the East Coast mainline services.”
He added, “this will in turn make this area more attractive for inward investment which will support local communities and the economy.”
