MSP offers to drive to DIY store and buy a bench for station

A north-east MSP has offered to personally pay for a bench to allow passengers at Stonehaven railway station to take a seat.

Scottish Conservative Liam Kerr has written to ScotRail bosses offering a “straightforward” solution after highlighting the lack of any suitable seating provision outside the station.

ScotRail said any such improvements would be paid for through the UK Access for All fund, which has covered the cost of upgrades at 22 stations in Scotland.

In a written response, ScotRail also said the station is a Grade B-listed building, which means consent would be required for any associated works.

Mr Kerr has written to ScotRail to cut out the “red tape” by simply purchasing a standard wooden bench from a DIY store and delivering it to be installed outside Stonehaven station entrance.

Mr Kerr said: “As a regular user of the train station at Stonehaven, I have first-hand experience of the lack of any seating outside.

“I also met a constituent, Walter Burnett, who has highlighted the problem.

“I think it a disgrace that people with disabilities, older people and those with restricted mobility are expected to stand.

“I understand that for organisations like ScotRail, there can often be a lot of red tape to be navigated before anything can be done.

“But this is a problem that needs a solution now – if you want something done, do it yourself.

“So my offer is to drive over to a local DIY store, buy a bench and deliver it to the station.

“I have offered to buy a security lock to go with it.”