Aberdeenshire MSP Alison McInnes has spoken of her delight ahead of the full re-opening of the Laurencekirk train station this weekend.

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 12th May 2009

Mrs McInnes, who is also the Scottish Liberal Democrats' transport spokesperson, began campaigning for the return of train services to Laurencekirk during her time as a local councillor, prior to being elected to Parliament. The announcement that the station was to be reopened was originally made back in December 2006.

Commenting, she said: "Seeing the reopening of Laurencekirk station is just fantastic. It's been a long wait, but to see years of local campaigning finally coming to fruition is hugely satisfying. I know the amount of effort that went into getting the station back into service, and I have no doubt that seeing trains stop at Laurencekirk again will make it all worthwhile.

"I'm sure that the people of Laurencekirk are going to be making the most of their station, and I hope that they are just the first of many communities in Aberdeenshire who will be able to benefit from improved rail services.

"While Aberdeenshire Crossrail may have been quietly dropped by the Government, I am still hopeful that they can be convinced of the case for a new station at Kintore. In my opinion, comprehensive public transport services are the best way of promoting a green transport switch - encouraging people to leave their cars at home and take the train instead.

"I have a feeling that Laurencekirk is going to prove to this Government once and for all that, if you build it, they will come!"