Flying Scotsman in Scotland

Four main line steam journeys with 60103 Flying Scotsman went ahead from Edinburgh Waverley on October 7, 8 and 10, despite adverse weather conditions. Organised in conjunction with the National Railway Museum, the trains gave passengers the opportunity to travel Scotland’s main lines with the famous locomotive during its Centenary year.

Flying Scotsman’s tours in Scotland finished on Tuesday, October 10, when the one-hundred-year-old locomotive hauled our ‘Aberdeen Flyer’ from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen and back.

On Saturday, October 7, ‘The Highland Express’, which was due to be hauled from Edinburgh to Inverness by diesel and then by Flying Scotsman on the return, could not run on the Highland Line as the line was closed due to adverse weather. We worked with Network Rail Scotland through Friday evening to re-route this train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen hauled by Flying Scotsman on both the outward and return.

On Sunday, October 8, ‘The Fife Circulars’ in the morning and the afternoon were able to run with Flying Scotsman at their head. 

Commenting on the journeys with 60103 Flying Scotsman, our MD Kelly Osborne said: “It was a challenging few days for all involved in these special Centenary main line excursions and we want to thank everyone who enabled us to continue with the planned trains. The support crew and engineering team involved with Flying Scotsman from Riley & Son (E) Ltd Locomotive Engineers did an amazing job working tirelessly.

“Our operating team West Coast Railways have, as always, provided us with the opportunity to deliver these wonderful steam hauled experiences for our customers.

“The onboard volunteer stewards and staff, along with the wonderful team from Gravy Train Catering, worked hard to ensure our customers were well looked after on board.

“We want to thank all our customers. Their support, understanding and appreciation for the efforts made have been much welcomed by the team.

“Our thanks also to Network Rail Scotland, Network Rail and the National Railway Museum for supporting us.”

These trains took 980 passengers on a journey to remember as they travelled through scenic Scotland. Steaming across the famous Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a highlight of each tour.

Image credit SnappitySnaps Photography