SOME rail services are set to return next week following the repairs of the tracks damaged by the Ayr Station Hotel fire.
ScotRail’s direct services between Ayr and Glasgow will return on Monday, June 17, Network Rail has confirmed.
South Ayrshire Council is also due to finish its work on the privately-owned former hotel building on the same day.
Network Rail engineers have been removing debris and repairing the train tracks in preparation for the line to reopen as train services have been suspended in the area since the fire in September.
Ayr railway station was deliberately set alight and the fire tore through the adjacent derelict Station Hotel, forcing the line to close while the building was being demolished.
A full timetable, with the return of services between Kilmarnock, Ayr, Girvan, and Stranraer, is expected to be in operation by mid-July.
Managing director of Network Rail Liam Sumpter said the operator is looking forward to welcoming passengers back and have thanked the local community for their patience.
He: “Our thanks go to South Ayrshire Council for completing the critical safety work at the former Ayr Station Hotel.
“Our teams are working hard to have the track ready and alongside our colleagues at ScotRail we’re looking forward to welcoming passengers back to the station and on to services next week.
“We’d like to thank passengers and the Ayr community for their patience and understanding during the station closure.”
The demolition of the Station Hotel was briefly halted due to a legal battle between the local authorities and the owner of the listed building.
Property tycoon Sunny Ung, also known as Eng Haut Ung, decided to take the South Ayrshire Council to court claiming he was not given proper notice about the demolition.
However, a judge ruled in favour of the local authority and the demolishment of the ruined building continued.
The area has now been cleared suitably for some of the train services to resume.
David Lister, ScotRail safety, sustainability, and asset director, said: “The devastating fire at the former station hotel has had a significant impact on ScotRail services in the south west of Scotland and we have worked closely and collaboratively with South Ayrshire Council, Network Rail, and other partners during this challenging period.
“We know how much people rely on rail services, so we’re pleased that from 17 June, we’ll be able to reintroduce electric services between Ayr and Glasgow and will work with Network Rail to complete all activities required to re-establish services south of Ayr due to the extended period of closure.
“We’re grateful to customers for their patience and understanding while we work towards the full return of services later in July.”
