Steam train travels on far north line on Sunday
RAIL enthusiasts should keep a look out for a steam train which will be puffing its way through the north this weekend.
The “Highland Rambler” is set to travel from Stirling to Inverness on Saturday and from Inverness to Brora, stopping at Invergordon and Dunrobin Castle, the following day.
Pulling it will be the massive locomotive, Tornado, the newest steam engine on Britain’s mainline railways. This will be the first time the Tornado has ventured north of Inverness and is the most powerful steam locomotive ever to do so.
Dunrobin Railway Station, a request stop owned by Sutherland Estates, will be open to welcome the arrival of the puffer.
The steam trip has been organised by Dutch firm Abellio, which has been running the ScotRail franchise since the beginning of April.
It is understood to be the first time in 20 years that Scotland’s main train operator has been involved in running a steam train.
ScotRail Abellio has indicated that it is investigating running steam trains on up to eight routes including the north line.
Abellio Group chief executive Jeff Hoogesteger told a Scottish daily newspaper earlier this year: “We are aware the opportunity to experience rail travel by steam train is popular with people in Scotland and with tourists. With effective marketing, we believe the steam train experience will increase visitor opportunities.”
The company has joined forces with specialist travel firm Steam Dreams and the Scottish Railway Preservation Society to offer this weekend’s Highland excursion.
BBC producer and rail enthusiast Daniel Brittain-Catlin, looks after Dunrobin Station and manages the museum there on behalf of Sutherland Estates.
He said: “The arrival of the Tornado will be a magnificent sight. It is an extremely large engine and very impressive. I am sure it will attract large numbers of the train spotting fraternity as well as others interested in seeing such a mighty locomotive.”
Built to a 1948 design using the latest technology, it is the only example of a LNER Peppercorn Class A1 locomotive in existence, the original production batch having been scrapped.
The Highland Rambler is expected at Dunrobin around 1.30pm on Sunday (21st June). For details of times and fares visit https://www.scotrail.co.uk/scotland-by-rail/steam-trains
