The Strathspey is Scotland's most scenic heritage railway, running through the glorious scenery of the Cairngorms National Park from the mainline station at Aviemore for five miles along the route of the original Highland Main Line in forested settings to Boat of Garten and then for a further four in open country to the small station of Broomhill.
There is a long-term aspiration to continue four more miles to Grantown-on-Spey, which would require the cooperation of Transport Scotland to pass under the A95. Motive power includes Caledonian Railway 0-6-0 goods locomotive 828, the oldest surviving LMS Black Five 4-6-0 no 5025, two Ivatt LMS Class 2 2-6-Os and several mainly Type 2 diesel locomotives.
A variety of historic carriages including restaurant cars is maintained in modern sheds, and the fleet has this year been joined by an LNER beaver-tailed observation car introduced in 1937 for The Coronation express between Kings Cross and Edinburgh.
Trains run Wednesdays-Saturdays through much of the year, and daily in July and August. Regular trains operate to and from the National Railway network at Aviemore, principally the Belmond Royal Scotsman.
The Railway is supported by volunteers in many departments and more are welcome! To find out more, enquire at any station or see the website at www.strathspeyrailwayassociation.co.uk/volunteer/ for more information.
The Scottish Region thanks Douglas Norris for arranging the visit and showing us behind the scenes. We can confirm that the onboard afternoon tea is delicious!
Report by John Yellowlees.
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