Historic railway powers up for the summer season
enthusiasts aim to lay more tracks along former royal deeside line
Published:
A HISTORIC Deeside railway line reopened at the weekend for the summer season.
The line through Royal Deeside was closed in 1966 after being deemed unprofitable by the government.
All the tracks were lifted and the trackbed was left to return to its natural state.
But a dedicated band of volunteers from the Royal Deeside Railway Preservation Society have worked hard to restore part of the track in recent years.
And they aim to add an extra quarter mile of track each year.
Pete Mearns, of the Royal Deeside Railway Preservation Society, said: “This will be our most ambitious season yet, with just under a mile of track now approved and the unique battery railcar offering much greater comfort and better views than our previous brake-van rides.”
He added: “Private charters can also now be catered for, so we would welcome a call from any company looking for a day out with a difference.”
Trains run every half hour from noon until 4.30pm. They take passengers from Milton of Crathes towards Banchory and back again.
The mile-and-a-half round trip beside the Dee takes around 20 minutes.
The last train of the season will run on Sunday, September 27.
The cost for adults is £3, concessions £2, children £1.50 and under-twos travel for free. For more information log on to www.deeside-railway.co.uk
