THE idea of bringing railway stations back to Cumnock and Mauchline after more than half a century has been backed by local politicians.

Think tank Railfuture Scotland included the two towns on a list of 50 stations across Scotland the group believes should be opened or reopened on existing lines in a bid to attract the public back on trains as Covid restrictions are lifted and as the nation shifts away from carbon-emitting cars.

The group predicts that 200,000 people would use a station in Cumnock every year and that 120,000 would use a facility in Mauchline.

READ MORE: Cumnock and Mauchline railway line part of reopening plans

Both towns' previous stations were closed in 1965.

With ScotRail having been taken into public ownership on April 1, Conservative South Scotland MSP Sharon Dowey said the Scottish Government should make a new railway station in Cumnock their top priority.

She said: "For years now, residents in the area have had to travel to Auchinleck or Ayr train station just to access the rail service.

"With figures estimating that 200,000 people would use Cumnock station every year, the SNP need to wake up and realise how popular new stations would be with residents.

"Not only would new stations benefit residents right across the southern half of East Ayrshire, they would also attract people to the town.

"By re-opening these stations, the area would have much stronger public transport links with the rest of Scotland. This would make it much easier for people to visit the towns, boosting tourism and our local economy."

Neill Watts, who is standing for the Conservatives in Cumnock and New Cumnock at the East Ayrshire Council election on May 5, said: "I’ve experienced the frustration of travelling further afield to use the rail services first-hand and, after speaking with local residents, I’ve seen a growing demand to re-open Cumnock’s train station. 

"I’m determined to reduce traffic congestion in Cumnock, and there’s no better way to do that than to offer an alternative to using the car.

"The rail service has the potential to improve road safety and improve our environment, but by forcing residents to drive further afield to use the service we aren’t seeing these benefits." 

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.