Dave Thompson MSP

SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Dave Thompson, has today welcomed the proposal for the SNP led Highland Council to grant £100K of fixed funding to enable Conon Bridge Railway Station to re-open before work starts on the Kessock Bridge in February 2013.  The proposal will be voted on at Highland Council’s meeting on Thursday 28th June.

A report from TEC Services has been submitted to Highland Council recommending that a fixed contribution of £100K is made towards the proposed re-opening of the station, with the funding being met from the increase in the Council’s general reserve following the underspend in 2011/12. Commenting on this, Mr Thompson said: “I am delighted that this proposal has been made to speed up the re-opening of Conon Bridge Railway Station.  I have campaigned alongside members of the local community and this is a fantastic result.  I am confident that Highland Council members will vote in favour of this funding.

“Not only will re-opening the station mean a boost for Conon Bridge, it will also mean reduced journey times for commuters and fewer cars on the road.  With the works on the Kessock Bridge planned to start in February 2013, it will ultimately mean fewer delays on the bridge for motorists.

“I look forward to hearing that Highland Council have approved this funding, and most certainly look forward to seeing the station re-opened”