‘Old gem’ of a station could be transformed into cafe under plans

Since its closure, the old Deeside railway line has become a popular walking and cycling route.

And, to capitalise on its increasing popularity in lockdown, a north-east businessman has bought the remaining 27-year lease for the Cults station and lodged plans to turn it into a cafe.

John Mackenzie, who works in the oil and gas industry and runs family business Skyline Trampoline Park and Cafe in Inverurie with his wife Julie, hopes to restore the “old gem”.

He said: “We’re going to try to keep the building as original as we can and get the platform back into use.

“It has been in a state of disarray for a while now, so it is getting very exciting.

“We want to keep the history and character it has. I think people will really like that.

“I’ve had my eye on it for ages. We are keen cyclists and use the line quite a lot.

“I always said if it ever came up, I would try and take it on.”

The building was constructed in the early 1890s, operating until the line closed in 1966 and boasts a huge amount of space, having contained a booking office, waiting hall, staff accommodation and toilets as well as a goods yard.

Mr Mackenzie, his family and friends have been busy preparing the area, removing any old debris and rubbish.

A design statement submitted by Richard Dingwall Architects states: “During the pandemic, the Deeside Way has seen massive increases in use by cyclists, walkers and runners.

“However, despite its popularity, there are very few services directly adjacent to the Deeside Way.”

An impression of how Cults station cafe could look.