Passengers travelled back in time in the north over the weekend to the delight of steam railway enthusiasts.
Operators ScotRail Abellio launched their first steam trains with three spectacular scenic services passing through Inverness.
Customers savoured some of the Highlands’ finest views on board vintage carriages hauled by “No 60163 Tornado”, the newest steam locomotive on Britain’s mainline network.
The Highland Rambler left Stirling for Inverness on Saturday. The Seaforth Highlander headed to Brora and back to Inverness yesterday.
The Highland Caledonian service departs Inverness for Stirling today.
Tickets for the inaugural trips sold fast, with more than 350 snapped up for weekend trips alone.
ScotRail timetabled extended stops at scenic stations including Aviemore, Kingussie and Invergordon to allow passengers time to stretch their legs and take pictures.
Sunday travellers were able to disembark at Dunrobin.
Yesterday’s journey was the first time the Tornado – one of Britain’s most popular steam locomotives – has ventured north of Inverness. It was also the most powerful steam locomotive ever to do so.
ScotRail said it was delighted with the high level of interest.
Nesta Gilliland, ScotRail’s head of marketing, said: “It is exciting to see such high demand for tickets for our first ever steam trains.
“They have really caught the imagination of customers, who are excited by the thought of embarking on romantic steam journeys through some of Scotland’s most majestic countryside.
“We view this as an opportunity to showcase the best of the Highlands to a new audience. And it will have immediate benefits for the local economy.”
Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: “It’s fantastic to see these iconic trains back in operation, allowing so many people the opportunity to appreciate Scotland’s countryside and railways from a unique and very special point of view.
“The steam timetable allows rail enthusiasts the opportunity to relive the golden age of steam travel.”
Steam travel has famously been a popular attraction in the Highlands for some years in the modern era courtesy of the
“Harry Potter train” operating between Fort William and Mallaig in Lochaber, and the Strathspey Railway service within the Cairngorms National Park.