The Glenfinnan Station Museum have just published a new book about the construction of the ‘Mallaig Extension’ – the line from Fort Willam to Mallaig which opened in 1901, some seven years after the line to Fort William opened. Generously illustrated with more than a hundred recently-discovered photographs from 1900,…
Glenfinnan Viaduct was bathed in stunning red light to mark the 102nd anniversary of Armistice Day, on the evening off 11 November 2020. A wonderful tribute to the brave men and women who fought for our country, the event was coordinated by The Stage Group in conjuction with Network…
The Fort William-London Euston Caledonian Sleeper service has been cancelled for several weeks due to COVID-19 restrictions. The situation changes frequently and in additional there is the prospect of industrial action to add to the usual Christmas and New Year service changes. Please consult this Caledonian Sleeper Service Alteration page for…
ScotRail have provided an update on progress on the modification of 153DMUs for transporting cycles (reference the News item first published in November 2018). As intimated 18 months ago, ScotRail is transforming five Class 153 trains to carry up to 20 bikes to enhance existing services on the West Highland…
Last night (Thursday April 2) the iconic Glenfinnan viaduct joined landmarks across the UK turning blue to show public support for NHS staff treating coronavirus patients. Alan Ross, director of engineering and asset management at Network Rail said; “We are delighted to be working with the Stage Group to illuminate …
Publishing of our Summer 2020 issue of West Highland News PLUS magazine, normally published in June, has been postponed. Doug Carmichael, Editor and Chairman, Friends of The West Highland Lines, said “the (provisional) plan is to produce and publish a ‘bumper’ combined Summer/Autumn/Winter edition in September”. This is a consequence…
Although previously announcing that The Easter Jacobite service would run, West Coast Railway Company has announced that all steam trains are cancelled until further notice. Update: Resumed service on 14th July until 6th November – later than normal to satisfy delayed customer demand Since there is an embargo on all…
In the middle of March it was announced that ScotRail trains would be halved in frequency on many lines including the main Edinburgh-Glasgow route, which will be cut to half hourly. Services ended early, with the last trains leaving in mid evening on some routes. The West Highland Lines had…
The Spring 2020 edition of West Highland News Plus has just been sent out to members. It is, as usual packed full of news, articles and pictures about the West Highland Lines. As the cover states: “The only magazine spotlighting the West Highland Lines and the ScotRail Network past and…
Storm Ciara challenged all parts of the UK and the West Highland Line was closed until Network Rail carried out a ‘Line proving exercise’ by running a locomotive along the entire route to confirm that the line was clear and safe (Blown trees and ballast washouts). The picture reveals a…
