Transport Minister Keith Brown today delivered an early Easter boost for passengers when he announced a £30million programme of improvements for railway stations across Scotland.

The decision was widely welcomed by passenger groups and business leaders.

The package could see new stations delivered across the country where there is sufficient demand, as well as improved access and better facilities for some existing stations.

The funding was announced by Mr Brown on a visit to Alloa Railway Station which opened in 2008 and has seen passenger numbers grow to around 400,000 per year.

Mr Brown said: "This Government is committed to investing in rail, and since 2007 we have opened new stations at Alloa and Laurencekirk, and a further three at Blackridge, Caldercruix and Armadale as part of the new £300million Airdrie-Bathgate rail link which opened in 2010. Another seven stations will be built as part of the Borders railway project.

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"The £30million Scottish Stations Investment Fund will give existing stations a major makeover and see the Scottish Government put money towards new stations alongside local authorities, transport partnerships and developers. New and better stations are a major part of attracting more people onto our rail services and providing sustainable, integrated and cost-effective alternatives to the private car as well as supporting jobs in the construction sector.

"The Scottish Government is investing £426million this year in rail infrastructure- the highest since rail devolution – and since 2007 we have invested £2.6billion and funded 30,000 extra seats a day. I believe that passengers, the rail network and the wider economy will benefit significantly from this bumper package."

Passenger Focus welcomed the announcement. A spokesman said: "This initiative can deliver major investment to existing stations that will bring improved facilities to passengers and the prospect of new stations will open up the rail network to more people and is to welcomed and encouraged."

Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, added: "We welcome this new investment in Scotland’s railway stations. Scotland must be seen to be an attractive place to do business and this fund provides an opportunity to increase the amenity of our railway infrastructure, creating jobs in the process."

(GK)