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Friday 17 Nov 2023

Date announced for opening of new station at East Linton

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail has completed the construction of East Linton station.

The new £15m facility is undergoing the final stages of testing and commissioning – with rail services set to call from Wednesday, 13 December 2023. 

Sitting on the East Coast Main Line, the new station has two platforms, 114 car parking spaces, including blue badge priority parking, and 18 electric vehicle charging points.

It’s fully accessible with lifts and a new footbridge connecting both platforms, with access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Commuters will be able to connect into Edinburgh Waverley, with direct access to the East Coast Main Line also available for services to Dunbar and Newcastle.

Completion of work on the new station represents the delivery of a significant investment by the Scottish Government that is expected to support economic growth in the area by enabling residents access to an expanded range of employment and leisure options.

Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway, said: “We are incredibly excited that the construction of East Linton station is now complete and, in a matter of a few weeks, passengers will be able to board a train at East Linton for the first time in 59 years. 

 “The project team has worked hard to deliver this new station, which will expand the rail network and connect Scotland’s Railway to new communities.”

Fiona Hyslop, Transport Minister, said: “It is fantastic news that, in less than a month, rail services will call at East Linton station for the first time in almost six decades. 

“This is clear evidence of this Scottish Government’s commitment to investing in rail, as well as encouraging modal shift from car to public transport as we seek to build a greener future as part of our ambitious Net Zero targets.”

Huw Jones, Executive Director, BAM said: “It’s great to once again be playing our part in restoring rail services to a small town which has been denied them for many decades. East Linton is in a popular location with a growing population, so this station will offer residents old and new a more sustainable, cleaner travel option.

“BAM has a proud history of restoring rail connections and delivering new stations in Scotland and we’re very proud to have done so successfully once again in East Linton.

“Thank you to our team for their incredible efforts and the local residents for their patience and consideration throughout construction.”

East Lothian Council Leader, Norman Hampshire, said: “The completion of East Linton Station is a very exciting milestone for the local community. Having invested in the project, East Lothian Council believes the new station will deliver significant benefits to the local area.  

“People living and working in the area are eagerly anticipating the return of passenger services to East Linton after so long. The sight of the first service to call at the station will undoubtedly be a memorable and special occasion.

“With East Lothian being one of Scotland’s fastest growing areas, the new station will enhance public transport connections as well as benefiting the economy.”

Passenger services at East Linton will be provided by ScotRail between Edinburgh and Dunbar and TransPennine Express between Edinburgh, Reston and Newcastle, offering wider connections to the railway network.