THE most urgent issue we face right now is, of course, Covid-19. However, with information and restrictions changing so rapidly, it is difficult to address them in a column, knowing by the time you read this much could have changed again.

In that vein, I wanted to take a moment to step back and acknowledge a big step forward in a local campaign which has lasted years, indeed decades.

Even in the crisis we face, we do have to keep thinking about the long-term developments our county needs.

A planning application has been submitted for a new railway station at East Linton. There is still a way to go, but at last the prospect of a new station is real for residents of East Linton, who have had to watch trains pass through without stopping ever since the station was closed in 1964, following the Beeching report.

This would never have happened without the astonishing campaigning and perseverance of the Rail Action Group East Scotland. At every stage over almost 30 years when they have been told it is not possible, they have argued their way through.

I have sat with RAGES in meetings with more transport ministers than I can remember, as well as senior rail engineers and managers, and they have wiped the floor with all of them.

East Lothian Council too have fought by their side, paying for early feasibility studies, and securing the land for the new station. ELC have also recognised the importance of this service for the village and the county as a whole, and found more funding than any other council for such a project.

When the station is built, it will be testament to the determination of RAGES campaigners. Transport ministers beware, though, RAGES are just as determined to see Haddington reconnected to the rail network too – and I would not bet against them!