Network Rail has announced that work has begun on the construction of the new East Linton station, following the completion of preparatory work on the site.

Engineers building the new £15m station are about to begin piling to create the foundations for the new station platforms.

It is the first phase of construction activity which will culminate in a station opening in the East Lothian village for the first time in more than half a century.

The project will see the creation of a two-platform station on the East Coast mainline, with 125 car parking spaces. The station itself will be fully accessible with lifts and a footbridge connecting both platforms with access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Planned to be complete in 2023, the new station will offer a connection into Edinburgh Waverley for those commuting into the capital. It will support economic growth by providing a new public transport link and enabling residents from the area to access an expanded range of employment and leisure options.

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It is hoped that the construction of the new station, and the improved connectivity it will bring, will act as a trigger for more investment and further development in the community.

Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said: "I'm pleased that work is now starting to re-open the station at East Linton. This project demonstrates our ambition to expand Scotland's Railway and our commitment to deliver all the benefits that new transport hubs bring to communities and to our Net Zero ambitions.

"As well as improving connectivity to the capital, the new station is a gateway for local people which will open-up greener end-to-end journeys for work, education and leisure.

"It is an exciting development that has the potential to transform life for local people and the communities the station will serve."

Scotland's Railway managing director Alex Hynes said: "Scotland's Railway has a great record of opening new stations and new transport hubs help drive further investment in communities and create new economic opportunities for the people they serve.

"We will work as quickly as possible to deliver this new station and open up Scotland's Railway to more passengers in the east of the country."