Conon Bridge railway station in the Highlands has been opened following a £600,000 refurbishment.

Built by Network Rail, the station includes a new 15 metre platform, a waiting shelter, passenger information systems and cycle racks and lockers.

A new car park has also been built, along with enhanced road access and street lighting at the station.

The development has been funded by Transport Scotland, HITRANS and The Highland Council. The facility, located between Muir of Ord and Dingwall on the Far North line, will be operated by ScotRail.

Council Leader Drew Hendry was joined by Dingwall and Seaforth Ward Members, Angela MacLean, Alister Mackinnon and Margaret Paterson at the opening ceremony.

Councillor Hendry said: "This is great news not just for the local community but the benefits will spread wider to the whole Highlands. Recently we have seen a big increase in passengers commuting by rail into Inverness so the re-opening of Conon Station will provide even more opportunities for people to make the switch from car to rail travel."

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The Highland Council has contributed £100,000 towards the re-opening and a further £100,000 to the cost of upgrading the car park.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said in opening the railway station: "Improving access to rail services is an important factor in encouraging people to use the train and I am delighted to be here today to launch a brand new station for the people of Conon Bridge.

"Instead of travelling to Dingwall, locals can now access trains into Inverness and beyond right here on their doorstep. This will be particularly beneficial during the major upgrade to the Kessock Bridge in coming months and I hope people will take advantage of this as an alternative to driving into Inverness during these works."

The new facility has been delivered in just four months, following the commencement of construction in November 2012.

The station will also help provide alternative travel options during the ongoing Kessock Bridge refurbishment.

Transport Scotland is investing £18m to upgrade Kessock Bridge, bringing it in line with modern traffic standard requirements.

(IT)