The SWestrans Board’s final decision, having dismissed Dunragit as an viable option, was that the three remaining priority stations, Beattock/Moffat, Thornhill and Eastriggs, would move to the next stage of the process (i.e. Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance part 1).

The Board meeting on 15th July deliberated the options, following a presentation where opportunities and problems were explored for Thornhill, Eastriggs, Dunragit/Glenluce and Beattock/Moffat station reopening’s. This included an analysis of each of the independent pre-STAG reports which had been prepared by Peter Brett Associates.

The estimated cost of this, for each station, was  in the region of £15000 – £20000, and it would fall to Dumfries & Galloway Council to provide the resources and finances to move this on, as part of D&G Council’s ongoing bid for funding from the Scottish Government’s Scottish Station’s £30 million fund for southern Scotland.

It is so good to know that Beattock’s reopening is now on a level playing field with Thornhill and Eastriggs for the next stage of the STAG process, and that SWestrans will provide the resources practical and financial to move this on (subject to Council Members’ approval re finances).

For all three stations this is the first tick in the box to enable access to the Scottish Stations Fund for our region, and well done to Peter Brett Associates and SWestrans for facilitating this.

It was also good to have Network Rail represented at the meeting. The WILL to change things for more sustainable transport options continues.

Thank you for your continued support.

Regards

Martin Brown

Chair of Beattock Station Action Group