Commenting on East Lothian Council planning committee’s decision to grant planning consent to plans for a new railway station in East Linton, Martin Whitfield MSP said: 

“This important project has taken many years to reach this stage and I welcome the decision to approve plans for the new station. RAGES and others have campaigned tirelessly for the new station, and the one at Reston, and they can be very proud to see their efforts finally coming to fruition.

“While there are undoubtedly real concerns about the future of the East Coast Mainline timetable and the services that will run via East Linton, this should not be a reason for further delay in delivering the project. With planning consent granted, the focus can now shift to fighting for more regular services between Edinburgh and Berwick, incorporating the new stations in East Linton and Reston.

“I will certainly be working with all interested local parties to advance the case for that kind of service and the many benefits it will bring for local communities.”