Campaigners and councillors in southern East Ayrshire are pressing for alterations at New Cumnock railway station that they say would deliver significantly improved services for the area without the need for a brand-new station.
Local group refocuses on practical change
A community group originally set up to campaign for the reopening of Cumnock station, which closed in 1965, has rebranded as the Cumnock, Ballochmyle and Doon Valley Transport Action Group. The group and local representatives say the immediate priority should now be a relatively modest piece of infrastructure at New Cumnock: a turnaround point for trains.
Cumnock and New Cumnock councillor Neill Watts has been among those most vocal about improving links across the southern part of the council area. He argues that introducing a turnaround facility would make it possible to increase frequency on the line.
“A turnaround point at New Cumnock would be vital in being able to increase services to New Cumnock and Auchinleck,”
At present, trains serve New Cumnock and Auchinleck roughly every two hours during the day and only twice on Sundays. Campaigners say a turnaround would allow an hourly service and at least double the number of Sunday trains, making travel to and from Glasgow more practical for shift workers, families and those relying on public transport.
Practical benefits and wider transport aims
Supporters note that some of the required infrastructure is already in place and that they have received positive feedback about the proposal's feasibility. Beyond frequency increases, advocates say improved timetabling would deliver:
- better early and late connections on Sundays, avoiding long midday waits;
- more consistent daytime services for commuters into Glasgow;
- a network effect benefitting Auchinleck and surrounding communities.
As part of the East Ayrshire Conservatives group, Cllr Watts has also indicated that attention is being given to other travel issues across the southern part of the authority, though details of those plans were not provided in the report.
| Current service pattern | Campaigners' aim |
|---|---|
| Approximately one train every two hours (daytime) | Hourly services |
| Two Sunday services to/from Glasgow | At least double the number of Sunday trains |
Any change would require agreement from transport operators and infrastructure owners, as well as funding and timetable adjustments. For residents of southern East Ayrshire, the proposed alteration represents a targeted, potentially cost-effective way to tackle long-standing gaps in rail connectivity.
Local campaign groups are continuing to press the case, arguing the measure would unlock wider benefits for employment, education and access to services across the region.
