Troon railway station: Largs-style station redesign not wanted

However, the community has been warned that a full restoration could cost in excess of £10 million.

In 1995, an early morning train failed to stop at Largs Railway Station, crashing through buffers and destroying much of the Victorian structure.

Despite calls to fully restore the station, the decision was made to build a standalone ticket office and waiting room – a move which underwhelmed locals.

Troon councillors have made it clear they wish to avoid a similar situation arising, while also highlighting the businesses affected by the fire.

Labour councillor Philip Saxton said: “I would not be amused if something similar [to Largs] was built in Troon.

“As only half the station was demolished, it would be a bit odd if one was a 21st century design and the other was 1892.

“The people of Troon are of the view that, due to the history of this iconic building, it should be a case of like for like.

“I would support a replacement similar to the old building but the interior could be an opportunity for the businesses who have lost their workplace and to upgrade to facilities for the station staff.”

Conservative councillor Bob Pollock is also in favour of full restoration, but is also concerned about the effect on services.

“I would need to have more information on the practicalities and the impact on train services, the public and the town, as I think everyone recognised that the railway station is an integral part of the community,” he said.

“I would also hope that any lessons learned from the restoration of both Largs, and other stations around the country, are taken into account.

“Notwithstanding the railway station itself, the needs of the other businesses operating from the station need to be taken into account, as well as longer term issues, such as tourism and the Open coming back to the town (in 2024)."

SNP councillor Craig Mackay echoed the views of the community: “I know from everyone I’ve spoken to that the people of Troon are very keen to have a substantial restoration of the station, at least as far as the exterior goes.

“The fire has meant a big loss to Troon’s built heritage and I would support a re-building of the old station if at all possible, although as part of that I’m open to improving the internal layout to better suit modern needs.

“From what I can see, the initial priority was to get the station re-opened as quickly as possible after the fire. I suspect that if more time had been available a much larger portion of the original structure could have been retained.

“This is a great shame, but at least the roof structure appears to be salvageable.

“I very much hope we can do better than the replacement ticket office in Largs. Restoration is by no means impossible, and I would point to Ballater Station, which although not an operational station any more, was destroyed by fire in 2015 and sympathetically re-built.”

Both stations were opened in the railway’s Victorian heyday – Troon in 1892, Largs seven years before in 1885 – and welcomed the many thousands of Glaswegians taking a trip to the coast.

Almost immediately after last month’s shocking fire, the Railway Heritage Trust pledged £500,000 to the restoration of Troon station.

However, they acknowledged that this would be a fraction of the sums required.

Andy Savage, Executive Director of the Railway Heritage Trust, said: “We hope it might be possible to restore Troon, and have offered a substantial grant, of half a million pounds.

“I am under no illusions that that would be sufficient. It cost £4.5 million to restore Ballater station, and that is nowehere near an operational, electrified, railway.

“I would be surprised if it cost less than £10 million to restore Troon, and whether that is practical depends on the state of the surviving metalwork, and the amount of money that is available.

“That is for Network Rail and Scotrail to say – we have made our offer, and I will be meeting Network Rail in a few days to discuss a way ahead.”