A South Scotland MSP is backing calls for train stations in Cumnock and Mauchline to be reopened.

Colin Smyth joined East Ayrshire Labour campaigners at Kilmarnock Station last week demanding better services for commuters and investment on the Glasgow South Western Line south of Kilmarnock.

Mr Smyth is Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, Connectivity and Transport and he feels Cumnock, Doon Valley and Upper Nithsdale are being short changed by the infrequent service.

The Labour MSP said: “At a time when we are seeing bus services being axed from Cumnock both north and south, the case for improving access to rail has never been stronger.

“At present services on the Nith Valley line for towns south of Kilmarnock are very poor, with for example, a three hour gap in services to Kilmarnock and Glasgow from New Cumnock and Auchinleck after around 9.30am.

“Scotrail keep saying there isn’t a big enough demand for more trains but the reality is if you put on a more frequent service, the public will respond by using those services.”

Howwood, a village of less than half the size of Auchinleck on the well served Ayrshire Coast Line, saw over 110,000 passengers use the station in 2016/17 whereas just 61,828 passengers used Auchinleck station.

Mr Smyth added: “In the short term we need to see a far more frequent service on the Nith Valley line. However, in the long term we need investment on the line including electrifying the line and re-opening stations such as Cumnock and Mauchline.

“Across Scotland, all the evidence shows that if you re-open stations, passengers will come. I hope therefore that the local council get behind campaigns to re-open stations such as Cumnock.