Volunteers working to restore a historic north-east railway which was targeted by vandals earlier this year have had their hard graft recognised by peers across the UK.
The Royal Deeside Railway Preservation Society – which aims to restore the historic route between Banchory and its base at the Milton of Crathes – was highly commended by the Railway Heritage Awards during a ceremony in London.
The group was given the nod in the restoration category for rebuilding an authentic station building from a derelict state over several years.
The building started life in Oldmeldrum before being relocated and restored by the volunteers.
The award – which was handed out at the ceremony on December 2 – comes just months after vandals targeted a 1950s-era carriage the group was refurbishing at its East Lodge yard, causing £10,000 of damage.
Vice-chairman of the group, David Pearson, said it had been a “hell of a lot of work” to get the station building in shape.
He added: “It is the last Great North of Scotland Railway building left standing. The lads are pleased. This is recognition of what has been achieved.
“It has taken about two-and-a-half years, maybe three, from start to finish. If you’d have seen it in the backyard when it was delivered you would have thought there is no chance.
“We are now in full swing for Christmas and the station building it looks fantastic.
“It has a nice warm glow when you walk in. The minute you walk through that door it brings you back to the 50s and 60s.”
The Deeside Railway was in use from 1853 until 1966.
Following the vandalism, the volunteers amassed massive support, with Prince Charles himself stepping in to make a large donation to its carriage appeal.
The society also had CCTV cameras donated from Aberdeen-based Revolutionary IT, while a glass firm in the city has agreed to replace the carriage windows.
Mr Pearson said it should be up-and-running next year.
He said: “The public have been absolutely fantastic. We have raised way above what we expected through the generosity of the public who have been very kind and supportive.
“I think they realise what actually they have got on their doorstep. It should be as good as new when it gets back on the rails.”
