THE HIGHLAND RAILWAY SOCIETY

Founded 1987

The Highland Railway ran from Perth in Central Scotland north to Inverness and then on up the east coast to Wick and Thurso. From Dingwall, the railway ran west to Kyle of Lochalsh to serve Skye and the Western Isles. From Inverness, another line ran east to Keith, where it connected with the line to Aberdeen. Several branches were built from this core network to serve nearby towns. The Highland Railway Society caters for all those interested in the Highland Railway from its inception to the current day. Membership currently costs £12.50 per year (or £10.00 if you are over 65 and £6 if under 16), for which you receive a quarterly journal and purchase Society publications at reduced prices. An email chat group encourages discussion between members.

As well as being a source of information for modellers, kits and components which are not otherwise available have been produced in both 4mm and 7mm scales.

The Society has established an extensive archive of books, photographs and drawings. Many of the drawings and photographs can be viewed on the Highland Council's Am Baile website. Some of the artefacts are on display courtesy of the Friends of the Kyle line during the summer months. The Society is keen to expand this collection either by donation or purchase.

Lost Stations of the Far North Line is the Society's latest book. Published to mark the 50th anniversary of the closure of a number of stations on the Far North line together with the Dornoch and Fortrose branches, this book draws on the memories of some of those who knew the line in the 1950s. It shows how the line was used in the 1950s and describes the impact of the closure. The book is well illustrated with views from the 1950s.

Copies are available from local bookshops or by post at £12 (or £8 if you are a member). Send a cheque made payable to the Highland Railway Society to Keith Fenwick, 31 Brackley Lane, Abthorpe, Towcester, Northants NN12 8QJ.

Forthcoming Events

The Society's 2010 Annual Gathering will be at Inverness on Saturday 4th September. The AGM and presentations will take place in the new Archive Centre. Doors open at 10.30am. Our evening meal is at the Waterside Hotel. On Sunday we will be visiting The Mound and Dornoch.

News

New Loco Buffer Castings for early Highland Locomotives are now available in 4mm scale. Details on Modelling page.

Some new photographs : the Cumbrian Railway Association have a selection of Highland photographs at http://scottishlines.fotopic.net/. Copies can be purchased via the web site.

Directors, Dilemmas and Debt : This is the title of a major study by Peter Fletcher into the financial development of both the Highland and Great North of Scotland Railways in the early years. It shows how both overcame their financial crises in the 1860s. More details can be found on the publications page.