A fully functioning rail service for the upper Annandale village will move forward to the next stage of the process following approval from regional transport body SWESTrans on Friday.
Chairman of Beattock Station Action Group (BSAG) Martin Brown is delighted at the recognition.
He said: “It is so good to know that Beattock’s reopening is now on a level playing field with Thornhill and Eastriggs for the next stage of the STAG process and that SWestrans will provide the resources practical and financial to move this on, subject to full council approval re finances.
“For all three stations this is the first tick in the box for access to Scottish Stations Fund for our region.”
Mr Brown explained that the next step, the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance part 1, costs an estimated £15,000 to £20,000.
He added: “Dumfries and Galloway Council would provide the resources and finances to move this on as part of their ongoing bid for funding from the Government’s Scottish Station’s £30 million fund for southern Scotland.”
SNP MSP Joan McAlpine congratulated members of BSAG who have worked hard to put forward their case.
She said: “Like the Campaign for Borders Rail in the late 90s, the Beattock group is well organised and enthusiastic.
“They have worked so hard over the years to get to this stage.”
Beattock Station — which closed in 1972 —- sits on the West Coast Mainline on the longest stretch of rail in the UK without a stop.
Ms McAlpine said: “I have no doubt Beattock could once again become an essential stop on the West Coast Main Line.
“Because of its place in history and literature, it has considerable tourist potential.
“This is an exciting step on that journey.”
