Boost in bid to restore railway station to its former glory

A cash injection will help volunteer railway enthusiasts with their continued efforts to restore an Angus station to its former glory.

The Angus LEADER programme has awarded £31,800 to the Caledonian Railway in Brechin towards a replacement station at the Bridge of Dun terminus.

The existing building is in need of replacement and there are plans for a bigger station than before – a wooden structure that will be similar in style to its predecessor.

It will allow Caledonian Railway to accommodate the many visitors it receives and assist in the development of the railway.

Chairman of the Angus LEADER local action group (LAG), Dougie Pond, said: “The Caledonian Railway has a fine tradition of improving its facilities for customers and for its numerous volunteers.

“We were very pleased to take the opportunity to support the development of an improved building at their Bridge of Dun station and look forward to seeing this well-loved, popular local attraction grow and prosper.”

Brechin’s Caledonian Railway is a volunteer-run non-profit organisation, with funds being reinvested into the restoration and preservation of the railway.

The Caledonian Railway line between Brechin and Montrose was built by the Aberdeen Railway in the 1840s and closed in 1981.

The line was eventually reinstated and preserved for four miles between Brechin railway station and Bridge of Dun station.

LAG comprises representatives from local communities, businesses and organisations.

They meet quarterly to approve LEADER grants for communities and businesses.

Angus LAG LEADER 20142020 rural development programme is part-funded by the Scottish Government and the European Community.

It aims to improve the quality of life and prosperity in rural communities through locally driven initiatives and projects and oversees a fund of £2 million.

It assesses and recommends projects for approval.