According to the railscot.co.uk website, Ardrossan North station closed in 1932, although the station building and disused platforms and lines remained intact for many years. The last lines were lifted in 1987, while the docks remained until 2017, when they made way for a new housing development.

Cumnock and Mauchline stations were also included in the plans; both opened in East Ayrshire towns in the 1800s but closed in 1965.

The stations to be opened or reopened are on existing or proposed government rail lines and have been assessed as offering the greatest immediate benefits.

As part of the plans, it is believed that the reopening of Ardrossan North station would create a minimum annual usage of 136,000 passengers.

Railfuture Scotland plans

Jane Ann Liston, Secretary of Railfuture Scotland, said: “These stations are seen as necessary to provide an attractive and environmentally friendly alternative to road vehicles.

“Each of the locations has a specific characteristic as to why they need a station, such as an attraction that draws many people, a large employer, or simply a large number of residents who need to commute.

“These stations would open up more of the country to non-road travel.”

The updated list comes years after its first plan. Since then, seven stations recommended by the think tank have been or are in the process of reopening: Leven, Inverness Airport, Cameron Bridge, Robroyston, Kintore, East Linton and Reston.

Ms Liston added: “The original justifications for the stations on the list still stand, but now must be added the imperative to get people back on trains in the wake of the pandemic, as the message that public transport are not sure still lingers in the public consciousness with the result that passenger numbers are still far below what they were before March 2020.”

The complete list of proposals is available here.