Campaign News
20th May 2025
Minister of Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP
The Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop was urged to green light a new rail station for Newburgh on her visit to the town last month.
The Minister accepted an invite from local MSPs to come to Newburgh where she could 'see for herself' why the town would benefit hugely from a reopened rail station. She was met by the Newburgh Train Station Campaign (NTSC) and shown the site of the proposed station and the old harbour before being taken to Lindores Distillery.
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There, the NTSC presented the case for why the town deserves a station and how transformative it would be - both socially and economically.
Reopened train stations invariably brings strong economic growth
​The Campaign stressed that a reopened station would be the catalyst for the Newburgh's economic revival. There was particular focus placed on ecotourism. 'The town is surrounded by a abundant wildlife, nature trails, cycle paths and beautiful countryside overlooking the River Tay' that would certainly lend itself to nature tours', said Nigel Mullan, Campaign member.
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NTSC member, Stuart Jessiman emphasised there was no need for a large station. 'We propose adopting a short modular halt*, a cheaper option than a standard station design - one that is easier to build, maintain and upgrade', he said. The campaign highlighted the sustainability of modular design with the latest designs using lightweight components and the increasing use of recycled materials.
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*A halt denotes a station with a short 10 to 15m platform and minimal infrastructure.
​Poor transport limits education opportunities
The campaign focused on the limiting effect poor transport, has on the ambitions of those using public transport, particular the young people of Newburgh.
​Karl Barrs, campaign member and local teacher, highlighted cases of young people struggling to get to training and education because of inadequate public transport. He cited the story of one boy who, having won a coveted apprenticeship place in Dundee, struggles to get there from Newburgh. 'His parents travel a 100 miles each week to drop him off at Cupar station', said Karl.
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Other members spoke about Newburgh itself. Heike Bachelier originally from Germany gave the story of some people asking her why she stayed in Newburgh. She replied saying that after 9 years living in Newburgh the town remains unique.​​
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The invite to the town came from long-time supporters of the Newburgh station campaign, MSPs Mark Ruskell, Willie Rennie, Claire Baker and Murdo Fraser. ​Representatives of South East of Scotland Regional Transport Partnership and Fife Council were there.​
Transport minister Fiona Hyslop, centre, with MSPs, representatives of SESTrans and members of the Newburgh Train Station Campaign.
The Minister has stated that a decision on a new Newburgh station will come by the end of the May 2025.
Jan 2025
Newburgh's bid to reconnect to the railway received a boost this week when Willie Rennie, Lib Dem MSP for NE Fife, confirmed that a new Newburgh Station will be given high priority in this year's Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan.​
Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie
April 2025
Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop will visit the town to see for herself how a reopened station will spark an economic rennaisance for Newburgh, Abernethy and the surrounding areas.
Minister of Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP