The number of trains stopping at stations in Angus and Broughty Ferry could rocket over the next 12 months under new ScotRail plans, which promise to open up the line to tourists and commuters.

The rail company’s proposals would see the number of stops made by trains at Broughty Ferry more than double, while four times as many trains could call at nearby Monifieth in Angus.

ScotRail’s Revolution in Rail programme promises to introduce new rolling stock north of the border, which will allow the company to add extra services and seats.

This will have a major impact on the route between Aberdeen and Glasgow.

It will also introduce an hourly service from Dundee to Broughty Ferry, Monifieth, Carnoustie and Arbroath.

ScotRail’s head of business development, Scott Prentice, told regional transport partnership Tactran the changes would create a “viable rail service for local commuting and leisure journeys to/from Dundee and Aberdeen for the first time since the 1980s”.

Under the proposals, by 2019, the number of trains stopping at Broughty Ferry will increase to 33, while the number stopping at Monifieth will rise from seven to 27. The number of services stopping at Carnoustie will rise from 34 per day to 40 and from 73 to 89 at Arbroath. The new services should start being introduced from May.

ScotRail figures show Edinburgh is the most popular destination for travellers from Dundee, with an average 1,353 journeys per day, followed by Perth (733 journeys per day), Glasgow (709), Aberdeen (506) and Arbroath (475). The most popular destination for Perth commuters is Glasgow (919), while for both Carnoustie (188) and Arbroath (475) it is Dundee.