A £600,000 project to reintroduce rail services at Conon Bridge in the Highlands for the first time in more than 50 years has been recognised at a top UK transport awards night.

In a statement issued by ScotRail on the Highlands Council website, the project of the station reopening earned Highly Commended in the Small Project categories at the Network Rail Partnership Awards in London earlier this week.

Judges were impressed that the station was completed on budget and within just three months of work commencing. The project, which was finished in February, was also in time to play an important role in alleviating transport issues during the £18m Kessock Bridge refurbishment programme.

-- Advertisement --

ScotRail managing director Steve Montgomery said: "The Conon Bridge project was a real team effort between ScotRail, industry partners, local authorities and residents.

"It has delivered real benefits for communities in the area - and it is great that it has now received this national recognition."

Transport Minister Keith Brown added: "I would like to congratulate ScotRail on being Highly Commended for this project.

"The re-opening of Conon Bridge station is a good example of partnership working and demonstrates just what can be achieved when we work together.

"The station gives locals a convenient alternative to car travel with access to centres of employment, education and leisure across the Highlands both during the essential repairs to Kessock Bridge and beyond."

Transport Scotland is upgrading Kessock Bridge to bring it in line with modern traffic standards. The first phase of the resurfacing work is now complete, with a second phase to take place between February and June next year.

The project at Conon Bridge was delivered by Scot Rail and Network Rail.

(JP/CD)