Steam returns to Speyside railway

STEAM is to make a welcome return to the Keith and Dufftown Railway for the first time in more than 50 years.

As part of celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the railway, Keith and Dufftown Railway Association (KDRA) is to hold a ‘Steam Weekend’ later this year. The railway connecting the towns of Keith and Dufftown opened on February 21, 1862.

KDRA has been operating as the UK’s most northerly heritage railway for the past 12 years.

The four-day steam weekend celebration will take place from October 12-15. A steam locomotive from neighbouring Strathspey Railway will haul three trains daily each way over the 11-mile line, which features demanding and long climbs on gradients of up to 1:60.

This will be the first scheduled steam locomotive to operate on the line since 1961, and will pull the Association’s two B.R. Derby Class 108 two-car diesel multiple unit sets, making up four coaches.

KDRA chair Rod Furr said: "It is intended to involve the communities and local businesses of the Isla and Fiddich Valleys which the railway has served for so long, not least the many distilleries which have given rise to the title ‘The Whisky Line’.

"It is hoped to raise both the local and national profile of the railway, associated industrial heritage, and the surrounding area as a beautiful visitor destination."

KDRA was formed to preserve the line in 1993, two years after British Rail had announced their plans to abandon it.

Passenger services were withdrawn in 1968, but British Rail continued to operate freight (grain and coal) and occasional public charters, notably the famous ‘Northern Belle’, from Aberdeen to Dufftown.

Managed and run entirely by a small group of hard-working and dedicated volunteers, but based on friendship and enjoyment, the association repaired the railway over seven years, and it re-opened as a heritage line when the first train was waved off from Dufftown on June 3, 2000.

"It is hoped that the Steam Weekend will boost membership and inspire more like-minded individuals to join our team of volunteers in order to ensure continued conservation and development of this wonderful line," said Mr Furr.

The event will also celebrate the opening of the recently completed locomotive shed at Dufftown.

The unique event is being supported by Moray LEADER and Awards for All Scotland.

Further details of the event, including timetable and fare information, will be publicised in due course, including on the association’s website at www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk