ScotRail’s newest railway station in the Highlands is celebrating its first anniversary this week, with more than 50,000 passenger journeys being made at the Inverness Airport interchange.
The £14 million station, constructed by Network Rail and situated between the Highland capital and Nairn, was officially opened on 2 February 2023.
The station acts as a fully accessible interchange for Inverness Airport, with step-free access to both platforms via a lift for passengers and cyclists, and an improved active travel link connecting the station to the airport.
With easy access to the A96, Inverness Airport station features 64 free parking spaces, including 10 electric vehicle charging bays, and storage space for 40 bicycles. The station also provides a convenient commuting option for local residents travelling by rail into Inverness city centre and further afield.
The station has also improved transport links to the nearby Inverness Airport Business Park and the new town of Tornagrain, acting as a catalyst for further investment and sustainable economic development in the region.
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Minister for Transport, said:
“It’s great to see the benefits this station, part of a £42 million package of Scottish Government investment, delivering to communities and passengers in Inverness and the North East.
“The very positive passenger figures over the twelve months since it opened clearly demonstrate that continued Scottish Government investment is making rail a greener, more attractive option that really does encourage people to make more sustainable transport choices.
“I look forward to the continued success of this vital transport link and the delivery of benefits which justified this significant investment, including promoting economic growth which will benefit the local and wider economies.”
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said:
“We’re delighted to see so many customers using Inverness Airport station, and reaching more than 50,000 journeys is already a fantastic milestone.
“The investment in the station, as well as the facilities it brings to the local area, is a perfect example of how we can encourage more people out of their cars and onto trains, as part of ScotRail’s commitment to net zero.”
Frank Roach, Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership Manager, said:
“HITRANS is delighted to acknowledge the success of Inverness Airport station, which opened exactly a year ago.
“It has quickly become a key part of East of Inverness developments: the airport and its business park, the green freeport, the new town of Tornagrain, connecting people from the Highlands and Islands to the world, enabling travel for work and leisure, and ensuring that the economic potential of the region is realised for generations to come.”
Graeme Bell, Inverness Airport General Manager, said:
“For the long-term sustainability and connectivity of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness Airport railway station is an important piece of infrastructure.
“On what is the first anniversary of its opening, we are encouraged by how travellers are making use of the facilities and look forward to continuing to work with ScotRail.”