Funding approved for £18m train station in Barrhead

The new station is due to be built in Barrhead near the Balgray reservoir

Funding has been approved for an £18m train station in East Renfrewshire.

The new Balgray station will be built on the Neilston line near to Balgray reservoir in Barrhead, with an expected opening date of spring 2026.

An 80-space car park, including space for electric vehicles, and a direct path linking the station to Darnley Country Park will also feature in the plans.

It will be paid for through the Glasgow City Region City Deal, which means contributions of £7.87m from both the UK and Scottish governments, and £2.56m from East Renfrewshire Council.

A train passes through the site of the new Balgray railway station in East Renfrewshire

The city deal funding was approved on Friday.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the decision was "a great example" of new public transport being linked with a new housing development.

She said: "The new station will provide sustainable transport options, better connecting people to employment, education, leisure and business opportunities. We welcome this innovative plan for the delivery of a new station."

The station will have two platforms connected by a footbridge with lifts, as well as waiting shelters, cycle storage and ticket machines.

A lease was previously agreed in July to allow Network Rail to take over council land on a 175-year deal to provide the parking area at the station.

The station has a projected opening date of spring 2026

Network Rail and East Renfrewshire Council have worked with Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Story Contracting to plan and design the new station.

The rail operator submitted plans to build the station to the council in August, though these do not require planning permission.

Gerry McQuade, the Capital Delivery Director at Network Rail, said the station will "provide a cleaner, greener way to visit the green space and countryside in East Renfrewshire".

East Renfrewshire Council leader Owen O'Donnell said the station going ahead was "fantastic news" and that there had been a "great response" from local residents.

He also called the plan "much-needed" and something that will make a huge difference locally.