Long-time member of the Beattock Station Action Group (BSAG) Ron Mclean has been made chairman, and he will be aided by vice chair, Franca Bruno.
The change in leadership follows the sudden and sad death of former chairman, Martin Brown.
In addition, MSP Emma Harper has come aboard and given her backing to the group.
She met with members last week, and afterwards expressed that it was ‘simply unfair’ that people in and around Beattock, including those living in the historic town of Moffat, have to travel up to 20 miles by road to get to the nearest train station in Lockerbie.
The reopening was identified as a priority in the Scottish Government’s Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (SPR2), which Ms Harper and the group have welcomed.
However, the South Scotland MSP has now submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament which highlights the work of BSAG and which calls on a timescale for implementing the STPR2.
Commenting, Ms Harper said: “The Beattock Station Action Group have carried out great work over the years in making the case for the station to be reopened.
“To me, it’s a no brainer – the station must be reopened to serve the communities of Beattock and Moffat, to increase accessible green tourism to our bonnie region and to encourage people to use public transport to help in the fight against the climate emergency.”
She also commented that much of the required infrastructure already exists, and said she is pressing the Scottish Government now to provide a timescale as to when the STPR2 recommendations will be taken forward.
Ms Harper added: “As well as the parliamentary motion which I have submitted, I am also raising this case directly with the Transport Minister.
“I will continue to support the Beattock Station Action Group and will keep constituents updated on this work as we move forward and I expect to hear back from the Scottish Government soon.”
Her support has been welcomed by members of BSAG
A spokesman said: “We are grateful to Emma Harper MSP both for taking the time to come and meet with us in Beattock and for taking quick action following the meeting to help progress our case for the reopening of the Beattock Station.”
- For more information, visit their Facebook page and website www.beattockstationactiongroup.org.uk for updates.
