A feasibility study is taking place to explore possibilities for redeveloping Blair Atholl station building. 

ScotRail is leading the initiative, and is working with Network Rail, Perth & Kinross Council, Friends of Blair Atholl Station, and the Highland Mainline Community Rail Partnership.

AThe study aims to examine the practicalities of repurposing the historic station building into socially-rented residential housing. 

There is a proposal to convert the building into three “affordable” residential units, meaning homes designed and priced for people unable to meet the costs of renting or buying via the property market. The feasibility study will address Stage 2 Feasibility and Design Costs, supporting the proposal.

ScotRail believes that if Blair Atholl station can be redeveloped succssfully, this will: 

• provide a long-term, sustainable use for the building, which is currently vacant.
• contribute to meeting the demand for affordable housing in the local area.
• protect and preserve the station’s historical and architectural heritage.

Blair Atholl station first opened in 1863, and is on the Highland Mainline. ScotRail operates up to ten services via the station. These services connect the village of Blair Atholl with Inverness, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. The Caledonian Sleeper service also calls at Blair Atholl.

It is a popular destination for cyclists, with those travelling by train benefiting from a ten per cent discount on local cycle hire.

The station building previously housed a ticket office and facilities for passengers on its ground floor. However, these closed in the 1980s. The upper floor was originally the stationmaster’s residence. It was used a third-party tenant until 2022. The whole building is now vacant. 

Scotland’s Railway has yet to secure capital funding for redevelopment work on the building. However, Network Rail hopes that the launch of the feasibility study will take the project forward.

“The Friends of Blair Atholl Station are delighted to support the next stage of the work which we hope will safeguard our much-loved station building and, at the same time, help to meet what is a pressing need in our community and across all rural areas across Scotland. 

“We look forward to working with our partners to make this happen for the community.”

Dr Viv Cree, Friends of Blair Atholl Station Group Chair