By Stefan Morkis

THE SCOTTISH Government has again been challenged to improve the city’s much maligned railway station.

Dundee-based MSP Marlyn Glen tabled a question in the Scottish Parliament asking what Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson will do to improve the condition and appearance of Dundee railway station.

She said, “The Scottish Government must act to close the gap between the high expectations that rail commuters have for Dundee railway station and its present condition.

“Train operators should be encouraged to invest more in improved facilities.

“A city of ambition such as Dundee requires a modern looking, attractive rail station to match.”

In response, Mr Stevenson said work had been carried out recently to improve the station.

“Under the franchise agreement with Scottish ministers, investment of around £650,000 from First ScotRail has delivered new CCTV, automatic gating, self-service ticket machines, seating, automatic doors, flooring upgrades, secure cycle storage and onward travel information posters at Dundee station,” he said.

“The Strategic Transport Projects Review is currently considering a number of potential interventions which would improve public transport provision through and within Dundee station.

“Dundee City Council are progressing a feasibility study to provide options for development at the station and both First ScotRail and Network Rail have invested new facilities and amenities in recent years.”

Politicians have been calling on the Scottish Government to address the dilapidated condition of the station for several years.

Dundee West MP Jim McGovern has made numerous calls for its refurbishment while city councillors have also strongly criticised rail operators for neglecting the station.

Economic convener Joe Morrow has previously described it as “tatty” and “an embarrassment” to Dundee.

In an open letter to Network Rail and First ScotRail he said of Dundee’s waterfront redevelopment was making the rail station look even worse.

He wrote, “In the middle of a 30-year, multimillion pound project to overhaul Dundee’s waterfront sits this relic from a bygone age.”

Earlier this month, Mr Morrow described proposals for a £190 million upgrade of Edinburgh’s Haymarket station as a “slap in the face for Dundee.”