It could be time for a ‘wee dram’ in the Highlands, as ScotRail’s newest station in the area is celebrating serving 50,000 passengers in its first year of operation.

Inverness Airport interchange is located between the city known as ‘Capital of the Highlands’ and Nairn. Officially opened on 2 February 2023, the £14m station was constructed by Network Rail. The station is fully accessible and offers step-free access to both of its platforms.

Passengers, especially those with cycles, can use lifts to cross the tracks.  It is easily accessed from the A96 and offers 64 free parking spaces and has storage space for 40 bicycles. There are ten electric vehicle charging bays.

The new station has not only provided easier access to the airport, but it also provided improved links to Inverness Airport Business Park and the new town of Tornagrain as well as commuting options into Inverness city centre.

Fiona Hyslop MSP, Minister for Transport, said:  “It’s great to see the benefits this station, part of a £42m package of Scottish Government investment, delivering to communities and passengers in Inverness and the North East.

“The very positive passenger figures over the twelve months since it opened clearly demonstrate that continued Scottish Government investment is making rail a greener, more attractive option that really does encourage people to make more sustainable transport choices.

“I look forward to the continued success of this vital transport link and the delivery of benefits which justified this significant investment, including promoting economic growth which will benefit the local and wider economies.”

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, added: “We’re delighted to see so many customers using Inverness Airport station, and reaching more than 50,000 journeys is already a fantastic milestone.

“The investment in the station, as well as the facilities it brings to the local area, is a perfect example of how we can encourage more people out of their cars and onto trains, as part of ScotRail’s commitment to net zero.”

Frank Reoch, Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) Manager, said: “HITRANS is delighted to acknowledge the success of Inverness Airport station, which opened exactly a year ago.  It has quickly become a key part of East of Inverness developments: the airport and its business park, the green freeport, the new town of Tornagrain, connecting people from the Highlands and Islands to the world, enabling travel for work and leisure, and ensuring that the economic potential of the region is realised for generations to come.”

Graeme Bell, Inverness Airport General Manager, noted: “For the long-term sustainability and connectivity of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness Airport railway station is an important piece of infrastructure.

“On what is the first anniversary of its opening, we are encouraged by how travellers are making use of the facilities and look forward to continuing to work with ScotRail.”