Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray: final evaluation report

Appendix 2: Showcase Examples

Buchan Sustainable Transport Study

Introduction

The Buchan Sustainable Transport Study explored long-term transport solutions between Aberdeen, Ellon, Peterhead, and Fraserburgh—two of the largest towns in Scotland without a rail link. Commissioned by the Campaign for North East Rail (CNER) and Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC), supported by the Just Transition Fund (JTF), the study aimed to identify strategic transport options aligned with national and regional transport strategy, and regional development, sustainability, and net zero goals.

Using the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) framework, the study assessed the strategic transport links and how reintroducing rail alongside other transport enhancements could support economic growth, reduce emissions and enhance accessibility in the North East.

Just Transition Fund contribution

JTF funding enabled CNER and AGCC to contract technical experts, AECOM and Stantec, to deliver a strategic assessment of transport interventions and to engage stakeholders in considering the implications of various options for economic development.

Outcomes and strategic impact

The study identified several transport issues affecting the region:

• economic isolation - Peterhead and Fraserburgh lack sustainable transport, limiting job and business growth;
• public transport barriers - 85% of surveyed residents cited long journey times as a reason they avoid public transport;
• freight bottlenecks - heavy reliance on road transport for industries like fishing, farming, and offshore energy;
• road safety - the A90 and A952 have disproportionately high rates of fatal accidents; and
• social inequality - Fraserburgh and Peterhead rank among the most deprived areas in Aberdeenshire.

The study developed a Case for Change and Preliminary Options Appraisal, evaluating multiple transport solutions with recommendations centred on rail reintroduction to boost economic development, improve social inclusion, and reduce environmental impact.

Three key rail options were identified for further appraisal:

• A2: a new passenger and freight rail line between Aberdeen and Fraserburgh via Peterhead;
• B1: a new rail line between Aberdeen and Peterhead, with a Fraserburgh branch from Ellon via Maud; and
• C: a new rail line between Aberdeen and Peterhead only.

The study also identified the benefits to the North East that could be realised through a reintroduced rail connection. This included boosting access to jobs, services, and education—particularly for those without cars—while supporting key sectors like renewables, food and drink, and hydrogen. It identified the potential to reduce road congestion, cut emissions, promote social inclusion and strengthen the visitor economy by improving regional connectivity. The study and the initiative drew comparisons to the success of the Borders Railway which has demonstrated how strategic transport investment can unlock economic growth and community renewal.

Just Transition outcomes

Specifically, the proposed rail solutions align directly with five of the eight Just Transition outcomes, including:

• Jobs, skills, health and education: improving access to employment, training, healthcare and education.
• Business and economy: supporting regional industries, including offshore energy, food and drink, and tourism, through improved connectivity.
• Citizens, communities and place: increasing citizen connectedness and setting up the region as a potential tourist destination.
• Decarbonisation and efficiencies: reducing road dependency and supporting a modal shift towards more sustainable transport.
• Fair distribution of costs and benefits: ensuring that transport improvements benefit multiple stakeholders, including businesses and communities.

Lessons learned and future opportunities

The project has strong public, business, and political support and it is currently being considered by Scottish Government officials. The next stage would be to complete a detailed appraisal of the three rail options, which would need to involve engineering feasibility and cost analysis, consideration of alternative train power sources (hydrogen, battery) and identification of an optimal rail route.

Conclusion

The Buchan Sustainable Transport Study has provided an evidence-based assessment of transport connectivity challenges and opportunities in the North East of Scotland. The study demonstrates how transport infrastructure can play a role in addressing employment access, freight logistics, and public transport provision while aligning with Scotland’s Net Zero and Just Transition priorities.