David Crossley, Author at Friends of the West Highland Lines

Platform lengthening on WHL?

Network Rail has applied for planning approval to lengthen eight platforms to allow for longer trains at the following stations: Helensburgh Upper Garelochhead Arrochar and Tarbet Ardlui Crianlarich Bridge of Orchy Tulloch Roy Bridge Three of the stations (Ardlui, Bridge of Orchy and Garelochhead) are listed buildings. Funding for the…

“Benighted on the Moor” audio play and guided walks launch, October 2023

You can listen to the play, written by Paul Hernes Barnes with Eilidh Cameron Sykes and Lodhaid MacRath, (the true story of the early surveying of the line in 1889) and to the audio guides to the walks at Bridge of Orchy, Corrour and Rannoch here

First appearance of Bubble Car “Flora”, September 2023

Class 121 number 55022 ‘Flora’, belongintg to Locomotive Services Limited (LSL) passing Polnish Chapel during private charter work.

Bubble Car “Flora” at Spean Bridge on first proving run from Tom na Faire, September 2023

Visit to Corrour, March 2023

A superb video shot in early Spring during beautiful weather! If you ever needed any inspiration to visit Corrour this is it! Travelling to the remotest station in the UK – Glasgow to Corrour by train – Bing video

WEST HIGHLAND NEWS PLUS Autumn 2023 published

This edition includes Caledonian Sleeper, The Jacobite, On The Waterfront, Summer Diesel Services in the Sixties and Book Reviews as well as the usual collection of stunning images, all brilliantly edited by Doug Carmichael.

Highland Explorer wins award for “Excellence in Transport Design” at the Scottish Transport Awards, 22 June, 2023.

Full details here: Highland Explorer Award Interesting video with some unusual combinations eg with Class 170 (but not on WHL): Abellio ScotRail Class 153 “Highland Explorer” Active Travel Bike Trains – YouTube

14.10 from Mallaig behind 44871 crossing the 12.50 from Fort William at Arisaig behind 45212, May 2023

14.10 from Mallaig behind 44871 crossing the 12.50 from Fort William at Arisaig, May 2023

New audio guide to the West Highland Lines

Written by ScotRail and published by geotourist this is an excellent (and free!) guide to the Lines. It is available at West Highland Line | Tour Details — Geotourist – take it with you on your journey!

Author: David Crossley