Wednesday August 19th 2026
oday’s visit taken on the new path featuring Mr Flynn along with various representatives including Council Leader Norman Hampshire, Provost Cllr John McMillan, council Chief Executive Laurence Rockey, and Liam Sumpter, Managing Director at Network Rail Scotland, as well as a few local residents who regularly use the station.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn today visited a new path providing access to Dunbar Railway Station from the south of the town.
The project aimed to make it easier and safer for people to walk or cycle to the station, while improving accessibility and encouraging more sustainable travel choices.
East Lothian Council carried out works on a section of pathway on its land to the south of the railway boundary, including landscaping. Network Rail completed works earlier this year on its land to connect the path to the southern platform. The Scottish Government fully funded both sets of improvements through their Active Travel Infrastructure Fund.
Mr Flynn was joined during his visit by East Lothian Council Leader Norman Hampshire, Provost Cllr John McMillan, and council Chief Executive Laurence Rockey.
Several local residents who regularly use the station also attended along with representatives from the council and Network Rail.
As well as the creation of the new path, the gate into the station at the southern platform was widened and a fence added to prevent access onto the railway line for safety. In addition, covered cycle parking was installed.
Mr Flynn said “I’m pleased to see the completion of this new access path at Dunbar Railway Station, delivered with £652,000 from the Scottish Government’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund.
“These improvements make it easier, safer and more accessible for people to walk, wheel or cycle to the station, helping more people choose sustainable travel for their everyday journeys while strengthening links with the rail network.
“This project is particularly significant as the first Active Travel Infrastructure Fund project to be delivered by a local authority in partnership with Network Rail, demonstrating how organisations are working together to create better connections for communities.
“By investing in high-quality active travel infrastructure, and providing over £226 million for active and sustainable transport in 2026-27, we are helping people save money, live healthier lifestyles and build a more sustainable transport system for communities across Scotland.”
Cllr Hampshire said: “I’m delighted the construction of the path was completed successfully and hope it will continue to encourage more people to walk or cycle to the station to use the rail network.
“The path provides direct access to the southern station platform without rail passengers having to travel around to the north station entrance and then cross back over the bridge to reach the southern platform.
“Our plans were first shared with Dunbar residents several years ago, and their feedback from the engagement and consultation process was incorporated into the final design.
“We’re grateful for the Scottish Government funding which helped make this project a reality.”
Liam Sumpter, Managing Director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “This is a great example of how we can improve communities by working together with local partners.
“The new path provides a much more convenient link to the station, helping improve access to rail services. It's the first and last part of journeys and we hope it'll create a better experience overall for passengers.”
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