 The SMJR had amalgamated with the Aberdeen Railway, forming the Scottish North Eastern Railway (SNER) in 1856, and the SNER inherited the obligation undertaken by the SMJR to contribute £7,000 to the shareholding.The line opened on 1 January 1858.The railway was worked by the SNER, and it was taken over by the larger company on 1 January 1864, although Parliamentary authorisation of the acquisition was not obtained until the following year.