Inverness Airport Station is Now Open 

I’m sad that no one has noticed my attention to detail in drawing the runway number ‘05’ on the airport graphic, but you DID all spot Roger’s splendid boots. 😅

When Keith station was opened in 1856, it was a speculative venture, as there was little development in the area. So little, in fact, that the only thing of note in the area was a bloke called Keith who had been sitting on a bench there for the past four years. Hence the name.

Please, more videos with Roger? He is a gem!

The two things I can't help but feel from this video are that the walk from the station to the airport would be horrendous if the weather was even remotely bad especially if you have decent luggage, and Roger has some sick boots

Most of the time, the little complaints are fairly minor - but the signage, timetables and choice of platforms at this one transition this into a full-on segment for WatchDog. There needs to be a follow-up with ScotRail where they either fix things, or explain why they were right all along! Might be futureproof, but if it is actively misleading today, that’s irrelevant.

Roger's boots deserve their own Instagram page.

Both tracks are bi-directional, so all trains use the "straight through" line on platform 1, unless passing another service, in which case one (usually westbound) will use the passing loop on platform 2. Platform 1 also saves passengers going to or from the airport having to cross the line. Forres, also a new station on a new passing loop, works exactly the same.

Superb end to a bog standard Monday...Geoff and Roger on top form. My favorite point is at 2min 54 when Roger waves to the bus👏

Excellent. Roger's a rising star. He is completely Geoff proof.

Today I learned that you can take cookie cutters through airport security.

The heads-up in this video saved me from getting caught off-guard by the train arriving on the counterintuitive side of the platforms when I traveled to INV recently. Thank you, Geoff Marshall!

my granny lives just down the line in nairn! this will be really useful as she can now get to the airport easily to visit us in england!

Geoff, I’ve been waiting for this one - thanks for travelling all the way up to Scotland for us!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Roger turned Brighton & Hove Buses into one of the best city bus services in the UK.

I thought Geoff Marshall and Paul Lucas were iconic but Geoff and Roger are CHAOTIC and ICONIC. #UnderratedComedyDuo

One feature about INV is that it's APD exempt (unlike ABZ). Okay so that's only a minor saving for a domestic flight but it's a substantial saving for those flying long-haul via LHR or AMS.

I can't wait until you get to make these videos for the Northumbland Line, it'll be like a mini-series on its own!

Geoff: There are “S” stop board at the platform where all trains should stop, mainly to fit the 5+2 HST’s that we run. Also to add to Stuart’s message, if there are no trains crossing at the station, they will enter into the easiest platform that doesn’t require crossing points, effectively the straightest road in and out 👍🏼🤗

Haha that was deja vu for me, on Friday I created a custom walk link in a journey planning system which will stop it defaulting to the on road walk link he showed Google displaying.

Imagine that walk in snow, rain and stormy winds. Why are there no shuttles? And why so few shelters? Great video.

Really pleasing to see how well the station is used already - and it will only get busier! Just a shame about the lack of signage but I'm sure there's still work to come

Another reason they are are only using p1 is due to it being closer to the terminal, might as well use platform 1 if there's no other train passing. For example the 10.01 to Elgin is booked into p2 as it passes the Royal Scotsman train which passes through p1 (once the RS starts running closer to summer!)

In Lithuania right now. As always, a wonderful video from Geoff

Amazing! It brings a smile to my face every time I see you’ve posted a new video

I was in Inverness last week, had no clue the station had opened on the trip up, so got a taxi in to the City. My return flight was at 6.40am, I found out there's a 4.56am train which I was tempted to get but I though it would have made check-in a bit too close for comfort. Glad I didn't now I know the signage is unclear and it's a 15 minute walk. Great and informative video, many thanks ♥️

I went past Inverness Airport while doing a fun challenge! All 8 scottish cities in one day. We did it on Saturday

Very much enjoyed this one Geoff and it was excellent to see not only Roger but also a fair bit of Class 158 Express Sprinters as Sprinters are Glorious and Superior Traction! Indeed a well thought of station for those travelling to and from Aberdeen using the Airport and i look forward to the Request Stop video :D

Roger. He's hardly changed since Least Used Hertfordshire station 😍

Geoff, c5 mins 30 secs you comment on the Class 158 stopping well along the platform at the Aberdeen end. This happens elsewhere - York is a prime example on platfom 3 but may be done to draw passengers away from the main forecourt and create space; luckily there is a canopy all the way along the platform beyond the end of the train shed roof. Likewise on platform 5 at York stopping at the south end moves passengers away from the stairs and circulation area. However, at Aviemore, southbound trains stopping on platform 2 stop well beyond the end of the canopy. Last September a passenger complained bitterly about this as we hurried through heavy rain to reach the train - she appeared to have a valid point. I cannot believe it is for signal sighting either. Inverness Airport station does appear to have limited shelter for passengers on the platforms - odd in a country where inclement weather is common!

Geoff and his friends are on point with the sameness of the Station. There should be something unique to every Station.

Looking at the rust of those rails, not a lot uses Platform 2 at all. A quick check of RTT shows most trains are planned to use Plat 1 in either direction, with only one or two a day using Platform 2.

I look forward to these videos. Very educational for tourists like me.

Bin bags; but no breeze. (9/10). Thank you for lifting the Monday mood. That's the day for vids to drop.

The train came into the wrong platform as the line is bidirectional (signalled at both ends) so when not passing another train, trains will just use P1 (similar thing happens at other Scottish stations with bidirectional running lines, e.g. Pitlochry)

Roger is the content we are all here for!

Good to see another airport get a railway station. With a 15 minute walk from railway station to terminal I wonder what the longest and shortest differences are for UK Airport Stations? I'd guess Teesside Airport is the longest walk, that's if you're lucky enough to get a train which stops there with a reasonable connection time to your flight.

Come to Feltham Geoff! Do a piece on the old marshalling yards, lots of history in Feltham.

Excellent video, Geoff! Love Roger’s comments, especially in the intro! The station is a bit meh and they really need to get the buses to connect with the trains for it to have any use at all!

Maybe you should wait up on the footbridge for the train, then whatever side it comes in on you have less far to run!

They need a double arrowed sign,

Inverness Airport is exempt from Air Passenger Duty so it might well make sense for somebody from Aberdeen to fly from there using the train to get there.

Useful, informative, quirky (in a nice way!) and enjoyable as always. Thanks for this northern trip towards "ultima thule". Mike

The problem with short trains pulling up at the end of the platform is sometimes down to drivers being used to longer trains. This used to happen in Kent when a driver expecting a 3x2HAP had a single 2HAP and disappeared to the far end of the platform.

I'm amazed to find out there are 17 departures and 17 arrivals per day at the airport.

Great Video! Love to see the stations.

A NEW STATION! Just clicking this video reminds me of the beautiful new dlr rolling stock… anyway good that an airport at least has a station.

Fantastic video! I hope to see you go to every new station that opens 🤩

Brilliant Video Geoff, suspired they stop down at the end of the platform as you can understand if it more than a 2 coach train.

You were asking why the trains heading towards Iverness stop at platform 1 (so they are using the right hand track instead of the left). It is probably because the line is single track only and there are double tracks just for the station. So to use platform 2 the trains would have to use the branching of the switch (I hope google translate worked correktly for this phrase) which probably has a lower maximum velocity. In the case there are no trains that have to pass each other they will prbably use only platform 1 because it is faster.

Nice Geoff have a great week 👍😊

Heading up north to Inverness on Wednesday, been a year! Nice to see a better connected airport.....shame they can't do this for Glasgow!

Interesting. That’s now my local station. I’ve watched with interest whilst they’ve been building it over the last 18 months or so. In that time I’ve not really yet figured out why I might use it. Perhaps when they finish Tornagrain in about 30 years there will be a more frequent service into town. 😊

Roger's boots were something of a feature !

I live in Inverness - None of the future plans are common knowledge here Thanks for sharing

Great video. More Roger please.

Had a good time seeing this! More lifts on foot bridges is a good idea.

The train stopping on the 'wrong side' reminds me of Carrbridge in the Perth to Inverness video of All the Stations which could be for access/convenience reasons. The station should do quite well and at least match Kintore's numbers. The station was also built to serve the new village of Tornagrain nearby for Inverness commuters but I also suspect it will also be really popular with Moray and Aberdeenshire passengers as Roger mentioned. I'm also disappointed that East Linton station is taking so long which should be the next new Scottish station wven though the actual station seems to be virtually complete as there are apparently land issues with the car park.

Amazing

I loved the runway numbers at 3:52! They look accurate too!

nice to see you up in my neck of the woods

Loved this video as its very close to me, to local's of the area it's Dalcross Station. Tornagrain already exists and they are building a new village which ironically are the same name but yet to join up.

On the platform 1/2 thing: in Scotland, platform 1 points towards the nearest main city (eg Edinburgh to Glasgow via Airdrie line the Platform 1 switches) so it's right that Inverness bound services are on Platform 1 😊

Nice to see you back in my neck of the woods, Geoff! Was here for a nosey on the opening day, seems so rushed and unfinished. 😬 the trains use the “wrong” platforms at Elgin too, it’s weird 😂 Did you see the Edinburgh Trams extension now has an opening date? Another one to add to your Tram playlist although - won’t take long 😂

I really like Roger

It’s also a great spot for plane spotting!

And I thought Grand Central Madison was the only new train station to know about!! Thanks for this!! And Rental Cars too!

Good morning Geoff. How ironic I parked in Inverness truck stop last night and there today lol 😆 Great seeing a new station 👍🏻 Even if it’s a bit mess at the mo 🙄

[As I start a venture selling cookie cutters in the shape of the British Rail Double Arrow]

Services stop on the "wrong side" as one of the platforms is more or less utilised as a passing loop. Platform 2 is the passing loop, so you won't see a train there unless it is crossing with another one. It's a slower entry & exit speed into platform 2, so to protect timings, the majority of services use platform 1 🙂

Great to see passengers using the station. You done Southampton Airport Parway where you can nearly touch the terminal from the platform.

Great to see u teaming up with Roger again. You and Roger certainly work very well together. Really enjoyed this program. On a lighter note have u thought about auctioning your old jacket.

I suspect the new piece of double track in a mostly single track line would give room for more passing ergo more services? And there used to be a halt just west of this station, the old platform and building/house are still there. The new bridge at the west end of the platform replaced the old single carriageway hump bridge (east of the platform) and was built years ago but with double track in mind. The road shown on your app map is also new, swinging out west to get under the runway approach path whilst the original road has become the footpath. Drove along that road for years when I worked there.

15 min is still a fair walk especially with heavy bag/luggage and or for older people. Could do with some frequent bus shuttle service from the station car park to airport terminal at least to time with train departures/arrivals.

I've noticed some double-track through-stations here in the US change the travel direction of the platforms each day - so Track 1 would be northbound a.m., southbound p.m. etc. We were told it's to even out wear and tear on the rails (?) Also each platform will have several stop-points depending on the length of the train; the idea being to stop the middle of the train as close as possible to the main entrance/exit point (gate or footbridge). Maybe that will happen at Inverness once service beds in..?

Flew to Inverness last year when I was on tour (I work in theatre), so was quite excited to see this, but it seems like perhaps the full value of it is yet to arrive! It doesn't sound like it would have necessarily got us into Inverness any quicker than the bus by the time you've walked round there, waited for a train, etc.

why did they not make an effort to cover the walk to the terminal. Last thing I would want is to schlep all that way in the rain. It is the rare project that forward thinks, but for now I suspect sheltered walk would be welcome

I’ve found the “down the end of the platform” stopping point seems to be quite a common thing now. Anywhere a new platform has been built up here there seems to just be an ‘S’ car stop sign, rather than the individual car number stops. I believe ScotRail have had a small issue with drivers stopping at the wrong car stop, because unlike some operators that run consistent consists, ScotRail swap regularly. A diesel can be anywhere from 2-6 coaches and every where between. The electrics can be 3, 4, 6, 7 or 8. If you are in the cab on a 2 car 158, you would be forgiven for thinking you are in a 2 or a 4 car, but no, you might have a 3 car 170 couple behind you, making a 5 car. On some of the suburban electrics in the central belt, you can actually hear an automated announcement now as a driver approaches a station, informing them of the correct number of cars on the train. So to eliminate the risk of stopping short, it seems that when a platform is built new (or even when a new unit, such as a 385 is introduced), a single ‘S’ car stop sign is used.

Quite a lot of snags for Scot Rail to sort out it seems

I am loving the chat at the start

Please let us know if Scotrail actually does something about all the things your mentioned.))

Geoff, when are coming back to Ireland to do the newest station in the Republic of Ireland? Also the one station out of Heuston, that was built 14 years ago, is due to open by the end of this year. You would have gone through it, when you did All The Stations Ireland back in 2019.

I'm slightly disappointed you didn't say "To the planes!" when you started walking to the airport

Welcome back to the Highlands, Geoff. I think the source of traffic east of Inverness airport station is Elgin, Forres and Nairn, not Aberdeen. Pity to see ABZ-INV services regressing to (2 car!) 158s, with the loss of 170s and the refurbished HST Inter7city project becoming a tide that's going out quicker than it came in.

Planes are just busses with wings these days anyway! Great video.

Geoff, you have written that Inverness Airport is the station number 2,574. However, in the Bond Street video, you have showed that Bond Street was the station number 2,583. So I'm wondering if Inverness Airport is actually the station number 2,584 instead of 2,574. Am I wrong ? I wonder.

Geoff, I hope that both you and Roger will come to Bristol for the opening of the new Portway Parkway Station, in May (?) It will be an example of a basic one platform station, built as cheaply as possible.

I used to enjoy flying into Inverness. The views in and out were terrific and it was always tempting to keep low for the first and last few minutes of flight for sightseeing. ATC were also pretty flexible as well which is appreciated. I enjoyed the lack of tugs, taxi in/out is always better but quite why I had to be marshalled in and out is beyond me. As an airport it works well for departures but international arrivals are a bit of a pain as you have to pass through a shed on the end of the main terminal building.

Ive been to other stations in Scotland where the train stops miles from the actual station buildings

Reading Green Park - Application to enter service should have been sent in during January 2023. Also there is a foot bridge outside Wokingham Station TAN Bridge (currently going to be replaced) but NOT step free - might be worth a look

Perhaps I missed it but, when you talk about these new stations, you could also tell us the three-character abbreviated code (IVA, in this case) that National Rail use.

Judging by the rusty rails on the plat. 2 side im guessing either the track isn't tamped fully (or aligned yet), signalling not completely commisioned or a combination of the two preventing trains from using it. Cheers for keeping us up to date 👍

Geoff, I was able to visit Inverness Airport station in late August 2023 and would comment that the modular design is fine if it helps provide new stations in appropriate locations. Provision of lifts, PIS, CCTV, level access etc are all great as one would expect in this era so well done Scotrail/Network Rail on those elements. However, one or two local changes to the basic design might provide a better facility. For example, the area is not renown for balmy weather at all times so additional covered areas for passengers would be advantageous especially at car/bus drop off/pick up locations and between the lifts on the footbridge. You commented on trains drawing up to the end of the platform. I meant to ask a driver if this is Scotrail practice now as it happens at many stations but I forgot! (I had a quick look at viewers’ pithy comments but would be interested to know the official policy.) I assume that the idea is to remove countless stop marks for all sorts of rolling stock. However, this is not obvious and passengers unfamiliar with local practice may need to sprint along the platform as you did, Geoff. If this is the practice at, say, Inverness Airport, some signage would be helpful. Moreover, on platform 2 the waiting shelter is at the Inverness end. This may be to entice passengers to gather there and thus be in the right place when a train stops but this was not borne out by observation during my visit. Re the timetable, users should be aware that trains go to Aberdeen every two hours whereas the one in between terminates at Elgin so, yes, there is an hourly service to Inverness but less frequent to Aberdeen though, as you comment, Aberdeen air travellers may well use Dyce. Good to know that the station has been provided as part of airport plans and housing development. Does this mean that in due course the station name will need to be changed to Inverness International Airport Parkway or, better still, Inverness International Airport Park & Ride?? Finally, can Scotrail do something about the incesant announcements at stations? For example, even at Dalwhinnie and Muir of Ord there were irritating torrents of reminders to validate tickets, watch out for fast trains passing through and so on. Thanks, as ever, for sharing your vid and for keeping us up-to-date on network developments.

I hope you plan to go to the next one. Marsh Barton station just south of Exeter st Davids when it opens soon.

Accessible stations are good - that should definitely be part of the cookie cutter standard. But lifts vs ramps might be a question? I've had a number of occasions where lifts are out of order whilst a station is unstaffed, which effectively makes it (or at least part of it) inaccessible. Footbridge ramps rarely break and are more accessible to people who are claustrophobic (like my Mum was - she really struggled with stairs in her later years but was terrified of lifts) but do they cost more to install than lifts and do some folk find them more difficult to negotiate? Could/should both be provided?

The path could do with a cover to shelter people from the rain.

Thanks for another great video, and I second everyone's comments re Roger's contribution. It's great that you point out the accessible lifts, but could you also say a bit about platform heights / gaps and availability of wheelchair ramps? Maybe they deserve a cookie cutter. Many thanks.

I wonder if the cookie cutter design was based on East Midlands Parkway and Corby. Both look similar to this.

I called in on the first day, and was also scratching my head wondering why there aren't any 2/3 Car Stop signs. As well as passenger inconvenience, most will wait around the shelter and see Inverness bound trains run past, the station stops are avoidably lengthy while the passengers chase after the train to where it has stopped. I only saw the one service use Platform 2 (the very first), but as that was an HST less inconvenience was caused by running to the platform end.

Need more Roger. Roger is always great guesting in a Geoff Marshall video. Time to give Roger a knighthood?

Nice boots!