Just what could Newburgh become?

A recent workshop considered what the town's potential could be with a reopened train station

A workshop was held in September 2024 at Lindores Whisky distillery to explore what having a station at Newburgh would mean to the town and the community.

Campaign members, local business, local councils and representatives of the transport industry explored the possibilities a station would bring to Newburgh.

The workshop was part of the ongoing Newburgh Transport Appraisal, conducted in accordance with the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG).

Participants working together at the workshop

About the workshop

The participants gathered in various themed groups to brainstorm and exchange ideas on how a new rail station could positively impact the the town, its economy, and visitor experience.

We believe the outcome of the workshop helps make the case for reopening a rail station in Newburgh stronger. and the feedback from the workshop has therefore been incorporated into the STAG Executive Summary document now submitted to Transport Scotland.

The workshop explored

1. There was a joint discussion on the beneficial impact of a new Newburgh station

2. We considered four themes: what would the beneficial changes be?

Participants spent 20 minutes on one theme and delved deep into the real-life changes a train station would bring to that topic.

3. Newburgh with a station in 2035: What would Newburgh be like?

How did participants envisage the long term benefits for the town? How would business, the community and tourism flourish?

Key takeaways

If Newburgh had a station -

It would let Newburgh residents connect more easily and faster over longer distances to major urban centres, for work, training, education, and shopping.
It would open up employment opportunities, both from new businesses coming in and employing local people, and from improved access to employment opportunities in other areas.
It would generate keen interest for new businesses, particularly to help High Street regeneration.
As sustainable transport, it would compliment the growth of the cycle path network, with a path due to come to Newburgh from Abernethy.
It would make this part of Fife not only accessible, but a destination - linking with other nearby locations to create a networked visitor experience.

Full report

The workshop considered the following themes:
Community | Business | Transport | Nature & Heritage

Community Benefits

Key takeaways

A rail service would allow Newburgh residents to connect more easily and faster over longer distances to major urban centres, for work, training, education, and shopping.

A station would also open opportunities to access cultural and leisure activities that do not currently exist such as easy access to visit the cinema, museums, restaurants and more - for school trips, OAP and social groups, as well as individuals. This would have a considerable impact on issues of social isolation and well-being.

It would also open the area up to visitors and provide an opportunity to grow local activities and events.

Increased footfall would attract investment into local amenities and could help to rejuvenate the high street.

A station would be a source of civic pride and allow Newburgh residents to share information on the heritage of the area and the natural beauty that exists here.

As a sustainable travel mode, it could be used to promote and generate eco-tourism to the area.

Business Benefits

Key takeaways

There was a sense that the station could lead to increased footfall meaning more revenue for business.

A station would open up employment opportunities, both from new businesses coming in and employing local people, and from improved access to employment opportunities in other areas.

A station could act as a magnet for new businesses ▪ Increased footfall and housing could increase pressure on services

Timetabling of trains and buses should be managed to provide complementary services, rather than competing ones.

Will the ticket price point be affordable and provide a real incentive to use public transport rather than drive?

How can the council support local business as the project progresses

Transport

Key takeaways

A station would greatly increase connectivity for Newburgh residents and visitors.

The impact on bus services needs to be considered and timetables coordinated to maximise use of both services.

Pedestrian and cycle access, and accessibility in the station design to ensure it is accessible to all users is highly important.

Costs of operating an additional stop both to the operator and existing service users needs to be balanced against the benefits.

Provision of a station would be a long-term investment in sustainable transport.

The station could be a beacon for employment and economic activity in Newburgh and the surrounding area.

Nature & Heritage

Key takeaways

There is a rich mix of natural and built heritage in and around the area, which is largely unexplored.

A train station would make this part of Fife more accessible. It would make it a destination too, particularly linking in with other nearby locations to create a networked visitor experience.

There would be hugely increased potential for sustainable nature tourism, and ‘voluntourism’ with a station.

As the plan is to build on the old station site, the impact on the environment is far less than if built on a greenbelt site. Further environmental mitigation can be achieved by native planting in and around the station once built.

The construction can be managed responsibly to minimise environmental damage. Modular station design, if adopted, produces far less carbon emissions than a traditional 'bricks and mortar' construction.

Visitors could increase litter/anti-social behaviour/increased harm to the natural environment, but this could be managed through campaigns and volunteer schemes to maintain and look after routes and nature sites.

Increased visitor numbers could also lead to further inward investment, employment, and business opportunities.

It would be important to have a well-developed promotional campaign to highlight the natural and heritage assets if the station is to have the hoped for impact on visitor numbers.