Open 1903–1943, except for a temporary closure, the station was the only one on the Catrine branch line of the Glasgow and South Western Railway (G&SWR).

Catrine is located on the River Ayr; the small town had cotton mills that had been founded by the social reformers Claud Alexander and David Dale.

[1] During the construction of the G&SWR main line between Glasgow and Carlisle, that opened in 1850,[note 1] consideration had been given to building a branch to Catrine,[2] but the idea was not pursued.

In 1894, representatives from the community petitioned the G&SWR to fund a branch line to serve the industry and population of 2,458.

Moreover, "Catrine has become a popular Holiday Resort, and would, during the summer months ... have a considerable additional resident population, were Railway facilities afforded.

"[3] In 1898, Parliament approved the G&SWR request for 15 new railway routes, but the Catrine Branch was the only one built.

[7] Both initially and later, tank engines hauled the usual one- or two-coach train,[6] but were replaced for a period by an innovative steam railcar.

[4] Designed by James Manson, the railcar was better known as a railmotor, a passenger coach incorporating a small integral steam locomotive.

[8] David L. Smith recounts a difficulty when the royal train was stabled on the branch: On 3 June 1942, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth paid a visit to Scotland, travelling during the night.