Stroke victims from across Moray enjoyed a leisurely trip back to a simpler time yesterday, on board a vintage railway carriage.
The Elgin Stroke Friends group arranged the nostalgic outing along the Keith to Dufftown line after receiving a £990 funding boost.
Almost 30 stroke survivors, many of whom are wheelchair-bound or need crutches to get about, took part in the occasion.
They began the visit by tucking into tea and cakes in the Sidings Cafe – a carriage which has been transformed into a 1950s style cafe.
Members were then ushered onto the Spirit of Banffshire by Keith and Dufftown Railway Association chairman, Nigel Bodiam.
As well as taking in the area’s stunning landscapes on the return trip from Dufftown to Keith, some members were treated to a dram of Speyside malt.
The occasion was made possible by charity support organisation TSI Moray, which pledged the community group £990 as part of its “community choice” scheme.
Portgordon woman Pringle George, whose husband Mike has suffered from a stroke, organised the trip.
Mrs George said: “Although the group is named Elgin Stroke Friends, our free membership is open to any stroke survivor, spouse or family member in Banffshire and Moray.
“Everybody has been very happy with how the day has gone, we want to prove that you can still be active and enjoy life after a stroke.
“We are now planning some other days out, as we still have plenty of funds left for arranging them.”
Mr Bodiam added: “This is getting into our busy time of year, but we love having a good mix of local people along with our international visitors.”
Among the club members was 52-year-old Isla Robertson, who suffered a stroke aged 49 and last year shared her story with the Press and Journal to help raise awareness.
Mrs Robertson suffered a gradual stroke over 17 hours, which left her with limited use of the left side of her body and with speech difficulties.
She is now confined to a wheelchair, but is on a mission to highlight the various difficulties strokes can cause.
The Moray mum says attending support groups in Elgin and Forres has helped her come to terms with her condition.
