Increased funding offer for Reston and East Linton stations

The Scottish Government has offered increased funding to enable construction of the proposed Reston and East Linton stations to move forward.

The offer made will increase the proposed Scottish Government contribution to 60%; this is unprecedented in terms of the Scottish Stations Fund and has never been made in any previous station.

The second option would see the stations’ construction form part of a programme of works within the next Network Rail delivery period, which broadly aims to improve capacity to the east of Edinburgh. In this second option, the councils are not being required to increase the level of funding above that which they have stated is their limit.

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands said

“The Scottish Government has been a strong supporter of the delivery of Reston and East Linton stations and is keen to work with local authorities to deliver rail infrastructure to meet the needs of their local communities.

“Currently, we fund new stations via the Scottish Stations Fund with central government funding limited to 50%; the balance being matched by contributions from promoters, whether local authorities or private developers.

“Recognising the budgetary pressures facing all parties concerned, I have written to both local authorities outlining my two potential solutions to the current funding shortfall.

“My first option seeks to address the shortfall by increasing the central government contribution to an unprecedented 60%, the second by incorporating the stations within a larger programme of works.

“The second option would see the stations’ construction form part of a programme of works within the next Network Rail delivery period, which broadly aims to improve capacity to the east of Edinburgh. In this second option, the councils are not being required to increase the level of funding above that which they have stated is their limit.

“In both instances, I would also be seeking a long term commitment from each council in respect of improved connectivity. For example, by ensuring appropriate bus services to the station from outlying communities and the provision of suitable interchange facilities to maximise the wider economic and social value of the stations.

“I am pleased to be able to offer these unprecedented solutions to allow the construction of these stations to progress. I’ve advised the councils that I’m happy to accept either option. The ball is now in the Councils’ court and I look forward, in due course, to hear how they wish to proceed.”

Notes to Editor

1. The table below shows indicative the Government contribution at both the original and revised levels. The remaining costs, as in any project, would be the responsibility of the station promoters which in general terms includes local authorities, regional transport partnerships and other developers.

1. The consequence of increasing government funding to 60% is to reduce substantially the shortfall.
2. For East Linton the shortfall reduces by nearly half (49%) and for Reston 46%, so that each station now requires just over £1m from its respective council to be delivered.
3. Proposals to expand capacity in the Edinburgh area in the next delivery period (CP6) could potentially include works such as platform development at Waverley station, improvements to Portobello junction and electrification of the Edinburgh Southern suburban . The package is clearly indicative at this stage and could be amended in scope based on detailed development of what is required, the costs and affordability
4. Given the locations of the proposed East Linton and Reston stations on the East Coast Main Line, and the required track infrastructure works, a delivery programme which extends beyond March 2019 would appear to be highly likely. Accordingly, this alternative approach commits to deliver the stations but does not rely on the current Scottish Stations Fund.