Could we see trains return to the Deeside line?
It's been proposed the line between Aberdeen and Ballater is reintroduced - we asked a railway engineer how much it would cost and if it would be worthwhile.
It's been proposed that Scotland's Transport Secretary considers reinstating the Deeside railway line between Aberdeen and Ballater.
Fergus Mutch, the SNP's candidate for Aberdeenshire West in May's Holyrood election, has suggested the plan.
He'd like to see trains returned to the 70km line for the first time in almost 55 years.
Commenting on the plans, Fergus Mutch said:
“Rebuilding the Deeside Railway would be a complete game changer for Aberdeenshire.
"Overnight you would create the most popular tourist line in the country, with immense benefits for local residents and businesses alike.
"A move from road to rail is imperative if we're serious about Scotland's commitment to tackling climate change."
But just how realistic are these proposals?
We spoke to Railway engineer Gareth Dennis to get his thoughts.
Dennis estimated by the length of the route that work could cost in the region of £700 Million - although that could be shortened to around £500 Million if you "reduce the specification" - but still a massive outlay.
Dennis also commented that there are issues to figure out other than finding the funding.
He said: "Where stations were, they've been completely built up, so you've got that problem."
"What are you going to do, turf people out of their homes? Or build a new station somewhere else? That's complex."
The railway expert doubts the population in many of the towns and villages on the route merits a railway - and if tourists will be able to bridge that gap.
He does however suggest a shorter stretch of line - finishing at Banchory.
Saying: "Banchory definitely merits a heavy rail station, my rule of thumb is a population of 5,000 or more merits heavy rail."
"Given the size of the population centres along that line, does it merit a full heavy rail reintroduction anyway?"
Local residents have also been asked to share their views on the proposals via an online survey.