A significant step toward delivering the new Winchburgh Railway Station in West Lothian has been achieved with the submission of a formal funding request to the Scottish Government.

The request follows the granting of planning permission for the station in October.

The funding bid is a collaborative effort involving West Lothian Council, Winchburgh Developments Ltd, the Edinburgh & South East Scotland City Region Joint Committee, SEStran, Network Rail, Transport Scotland, and ScotRail.

The primary funding source identified is the City Region Deal's commitment of at least £50 million intended to support the delivery of seven strategic housing sites, including Winchburgh. However, partners have indicated a willingness to pursue alternative Scottish Government funding routes if necessary. City Region Deals are crucial long-term funding packages agreed between the Scottish and UK Governments and local partners to accelerate economic growth and investment.

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The funding request is underpinned by an outline business case that clearly demonstrates the strong transport and economic benefits the station will provide:

• Passenger Use: The case projects that approximately 625 passengers will use the station each day by 2030, leading to major reductions in car-based commuting.

• Value for Money: The project shows exceptionally strong value, with a cost-benefit ratio of 2.1 even before passenger revenue is counted. This ratio increases significantly to between 4.26 and 5.6 when generated revenue is included.

West Lothian Council Leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick called the submission a "significant step forward," highlighting the positive collaboration between all parties to improve the local economy and grow investment.

John Hamilton, CEO of Winchburgh Developments Ltd, described the submission as a "really important moment," noting that the new rail connection is the "final, critical piece in that transport jigsaw" needed to support one of Scotland's fastest-growing communities. He confirmed the project is ready to proceed if full funding is secured.