Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway

Introduction

This line is open. The line forms part of the Glasgow to Carlisle via Kilmarnock and Dumfries route (the Glasgow and South Western Railway or GSW main line) which is open for both passengers and freight. Passenger services are operated by ScotRail. The line was single-track between Annan and Gretna until recently. A new loop at Thornhill was previously opened as the line has seen a major increase in use and its capacity was limited.



Dates

16/07/1846Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Act receives Royal assent. It was originally stipulated that the line was not allowed to compete with the Caledonian Railway for Glasgow to Carlisle traffic.
  /  /1847Caledonian Railway
Branch to Kelhead Quarry authorised. This was not built, however a branch from the Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway did serve the quarry at a later date.
  /  /1848Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Opened from Gretna Junction to Dumfries [1st]. Stations opened at Annan, Cummertrees, Ruthwell, Dumfries [1st].
  /  /1849Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Extended from Dumfries Ramsey Place Junction to Closeburn. Stations at Dumfries [2nd], Killylung, Auldgirth and Closeburn.
28/10/1850Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr RailwayGlasgow. Dumfries and Carlisle RailwayGlasgow and South Western Railway
The Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway merged with Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway to become the Glasgow and South Western Railway.
28/10/1850New Cumnock Waggonway
Joined and replaced by the Bank Branch (Glasgow and South Western Railway) opened from Bank Junction (Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway) to the New Cumnock Iron Works by Bank.
28/10/1850Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway completed by opening between Old Cumnock and Closeburn. Stations at New Cumnock, Kirkconnel, Sanquhar and Thornhill. Sidings opened at Mennock Summit for the Leadhills and Wanlockhead mines. The nearest passenger station on the line was at Sanquhar, slightly further west.
31/12/1850Railway Clearing House
By this date, Ardrossan Railway, Caledonian Railway, Cockermouth and Workington Railway, Eastern Counties Railway, East Lincolnshire Railway, Fleetwood, Preston and West Riding Junction Railway, Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway, Great Northern Railway, Huddersfield and Manchester Railway (London and North Western Railway), Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway, Maryport and Carlisle Railway, North British Railway, Preston and Wyre Railway, Dock and Harbour, Shrewsbury and Chester Railway, South Staffordshire Railway, Stockton and Darlington Railway, Stockton and Hartlepool Railway, St Helens and Runcorn Gap Railway, Stirling and Dunfermline Railway, Whitehaven Junction Railway and York, Newcastle and Berwick Railway join.
  /  /1851Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Carron Bridge station opened.
  /  /1852Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Gretna Green [1st] opened.
28/03/1853Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Glasgow and South Western Railway authorised to run over the Caledonian Railway between Gretna Junction and Carlisle.
  /  /1854Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Dornock and Racks opened.
06/06/1855Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Glasgow and South Western Railway authorised until 1874 to run over the Caledonian Railway between Gretna Junction and Carlisle.
  /  /1901Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Rigg opened.
  /  /1904Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Awning added to Annan station.
  /  /1965Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Cumnock, Racks, Ruthwell and Sanquhar stations closed.
  /05/1966Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Dumfries Shed closed.
12/05/1984Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Auchinleck station re-opened.
  /  /1991Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
New Cumnock re-opened.
  /  /1993Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Gretna Green station opened on new site slightly further west.
  /12/1996New Cumnock Waggonway
Knockshinnoch Washery to Bank Junction (Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway) re-opened to freight.
  /  /1997Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Dumfries South (Noblehill Junction) signal box closed.
24/10/1998Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Derailment at Sanquhar.
  /  /2000Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Crowbandsgate Coal Terminal loading point opened immediately west of New Cumnock.
21/01/2000Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Derailment at Kirkconnel.
26/06/2000Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Loop opened on the southbound line (up side) at Thornhill, just east of the former station. This aided capacity of the line with its long single track section from Gretna to Annan (since re-doubled).
23/08/2002Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Traincrew depot opened at Dumfries.
  /  /2003Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
New Portrack Viaduct built alongside the existing viaduct during the summer.
25/12/2003Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Portrack Viaduct replaced. Completed 26th.
  /  /2004Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Greenburn Light Railway re-opened - track laid from Greenburn Junction west to Greenburn Loading Pad. Coal trains were to run to locations such as Cottam Power Station.
  /  /2007Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Project to redouble Annan to Gretna Green (around 8 miles) will cost £35M. Plan to include a second platform at Gretna Green.
  /08/2018Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Greenburn Loading Pad closed as opencast operations end.

Locations along the line

These locations are along the line.

This junction is just to the north of the former Gretna [CR] station and Sark Viaduct. It is only just in Scotland, being just north of the Border. The junction is now single lead junction for the route to Dumfries and double for the line north to Lockerbie. The Dumfries route doubles after leading the junction.
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Caledonian Railway
Crossing the border. Most of the 0730 London Euston - Glasgow Central is now in Scotland, with the rear of the train still to complete the crossing of ...
John Furnevel 03/08/2007
47386 takes a Permanent Way train south through Gretna Junction. The Dumfries route is off to the left. ...
Ewan Crawford //1989
DRS 66404 takes containers south through Gretna Junction on 3 August 2007. ...
John Furnevel 03/08/2007
A new Sprinter takes the G&SW at Gretna Junction in 1989. ...
Ewan Crawford //1989
4 of 12 images. more


This was a two platform station. The station house still stands in use as a private dwelling.
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View west from Glasgow Road overbridge, Gretna, on 30 May 2007. On the right is what was the original Gretna Green station, opened by the Glasgow, ...
John Furnevel 30/05/2007
The original Gretna Green station (closed 1965) seen looking west on 25 June 2019 with the car park of the current station in the background. Notice ...
David Panton 25/06/2019
The road approach to the original Gretna Green station, now a private house, in February 2006. The 1852 station was finally closed in 1965, while the ...
John Furnevel 12/02/2006
EWS 66018 is held at signals on the curve shortly after leaving Gretna Junction with a northbound freight on 17 July 2008. The overbridge carries the ...
John Furnevel 17/07/2008
4 of 6 images. more


This station was a single platform on a single line when opened. It is now a two platform station after the down line was relayed and the existing platform became an up platform only.
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The path of true love may not be particularly straight if you leave Gretna Green from the Up platform. Dare I say, getting your wedding dress train ...
Ken Strachan 12/04/2022
The station underpass at Gretna Green, which also goes under the A75. ...
Duncan Ross 18/02/2023
Work almost complete at Gretna Green on 11 August 2008, with the second platform now operational following redoubling of the section to Annan. ...
John Furnevel 11/08/2008
Passengers at Gretna Green are outnumbered by the Hi-Vis brigade on 17 July 2008 as work on the new platform and footbridge is brought to a temporary ...
John Furnevel 17/07/2008
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A northbound Pendolino crosses Kirtle Water Viaduct at Kirtlebridge on 12 September 2020. ...
John McIntyre 12/09/2020
1 of 1 images.


This was a minimal two platform station, opened to the public in 1901 and closed in 1942.
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The original intermediary signal box was west of Rigg station (opened in 1901). The box was on the south side of the line alongside a trailing crossover.
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This was a two platform station. The main station building was on the westbound platform.
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Wide view showing the works site at Eastriggs in July 2008, during redoubling of the line between Annan and Gretna Green. The site includes the ...
John Furnevel 17/07/2008
Looking west towards Annan over the remains of Dornock (later Eastriggs) station on 17 July 2008. Double track has recently been reinstated at this ...
John Furnevel 17/07/2008
The former Dornock station (latterly Eastriggs), Dumfriesshire, in 2007. During WW1 the station served the huge wartime munitions complex referred to ...
John Furnevel 30/05/2007
The closed station at Eastriggs (formerly Dornock), between Annan and Gretna, looking south west in October 2006. ...
John Furnevel 09/10/2006
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The gated entrance to the exchange sidings at the then MoD Eastriggs (now no longer an active MoD site), as seen looking east on 30 June 2014. This ...
David Spaven 30/06/2014
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This was a double track junction east of Annan station. It was formed in 1869 between the Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway (the Glasgow and South Western Railway's main line) and a curve to the new Solway Junction Railway (owned by the Caledonian Railway).
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Solway Junction Railway
Looking west towards Annan from Watchall Road bridge on 30 May 2007. Work is underway in connection with the redoubling of the G&SW route to ...
John Furnevel 30/05/2007
The 1548 Glasgow Central - Newcastle Central eastbound shortly after restarting from Annan on 21 May 2008. The train is on the single line section to ...
John Furnevel 21/05/2008
Seafield Road, Annan, looking north west back towards the town in May 2008. The bridge, which once carried the line to the Solway Viaduct, had been ...
John Furnevel 21/05/2008
Just east of Annan station 156435 takes to the single track as it heads for Carlisle. By modern (slightly peculiar) naming standards the train would ...
Ewan Crawford //1998
4 of 12 images. more


This is a two platform station in the south of Annan. The main station building is on the eastbound platform (the town side of the station). The stone built building has a long glazed canopy. There is an entry porch, the stonework doesn't quite match so it may be an addition. A large brick shelter, open to the platform but roofed, with extends the building at its west end. The westbound platform ...

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The 09.11 service to Newcastle (ex-Glasgow Central) calls at Annan on 7 September 2010.
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Bruce McCartney 07/09/2010
Looking north west from St Johns Road, Annan in 2002, over a railway scene much changed in the previous 25 years. What were substantial goods ...
John Furnevel 15/07/2002
The Station House Annan on 21 May 2008, now a pub. ...
John Furnevel 21/05/2008
156446 on the First ScotRail Carlisle to Dumfries service with the 1744 hrs departure from Annan on 9 May 2009. ...
John McIntyre 09/05/2009
4 of 32 images. more


This is a double track four arch viaduct just east of Annan Viaduct and west of Annan station. It crosses dry land and the eastern arch passes over Port Street. The overall length is 183 ft and it is 36 ft high.
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This double track masonry viaduct over the River Annan is west of Annan station. The Port Street Viaduct is immediately east between the viaduct and station.
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Railway bridge over the River Annan just west of Annan station, photographed in May 2007 from the east bank of the river. [Ref query 6889] ...
John Furnevel 30/05/2007
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The Newbie Boiler Works was served by a branch from Newbie Junction. Trackwork remains, much overgrown.
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Newbie Branch




A signal box opened at this junction in 1900 for the Newbie Brick and Tile Works and Cochran's Boiler Works.
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Newbie Branch
The final photograph in the trilogy featuring the Carlisle - Killmarnock special working of 22 March 1986 see image 29280. Having detached pilot ...
Bruce McCartney 22/03/1986
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This was a two platform station. The main station building was on the westbound platform. This is a single storey 'L' shaped sandstone building parallel to the platform with the gable end of the portion at 90 degrees at the west end.
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The old station at Cummertrees, Dumfriesshire, photographed looking north west from the car park of the adjacent village hall in May 2008. On the left ...
John Furnevel 21/05/2008
Looking from the main road through the village over what was the station forecourt at Cummertrees, Dumfries & Galloway, on 21 May 2008. The station ...
John Furnevel 21/05/2008
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This was a two platform station built on an embankment. The station was about a mile and a half north of the village of Ruthwell. The main station building, of two storeys, was on the eastbound platform. A waiting room was on the westbound platform.
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On the north side of the Solway Firth, midway between Dumfries and Annan, a station was opened by the GD&C in 1848 to serve the village and parish of ...
John Furnevel 21/05/2008
The former Ruthwell station in May 2008, now a private residence. The station was on the G&SW route between Dumfries and Annan. It closed to ...
John Furnevel 21/05/2008
The road approach to the former Ruthwell station in May 2008. Located on the G&SW route midway between Dumfries and Annan the station closed to ...
John Furnevel 21/05/2008
Approaching the hamlet of Ruthwell Station from the south west on 21 May 2008. The former station, on the embankment top right, closed in 1965 and has ...
John Furnevel 21/05/2008
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This intermediate signal box was between Racks (to the west) and Ruthwell (east). Ironhirst Peat Works, served by a siding, was located on the south side of the line, with a peat railway running off to the south west.
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Racks was a two platform station. Initially a minimal station, station cottages/offices were built above platform level on the eastbound platform and a goods yard added on the north side, approached from the east. There were small waiting rooms on the platforms, a larger on the westbound.
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Approach to the former Racks station from the east on 21 May 2008 with the entrance to the station and goods yard on the left and the road bridge over ...
John Furnevel 21/05/2008
66140 takes a coal train south through Racks on 13 May 2010. Note the name of the station (closed in 1965) formed out of white bricks on the side of ...
John Furnevel 13/05/2010
The converted station building at Racks looking east across the lines in May 2008. During its 117 years as a station until closure in 1965 the (still ...
John Furnevel 21/05/2008
The station name has now reappeared at Racks (closed 1965), formed with white bricks see image 19502. Photographed looking east from the road ...
John Furnevel 13/05/2010
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This junction was in the east of Dumfries. It controlled the east end of the shed sidings, the main line and the slow lines (also serving Dumfries Goods).
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The Perth - Kensington Olympia Motorail service starts to pick up after passing through Dumfries station in April 1971 and is about to run past ...
John Furnevel 08/04/1971
The up Royal Train 1X00 passing Dumfries south signal box in March 1972, hauled by a pair of immaculate looking type 2 diesel locomotives. ...
John Furnevel 24/03/1972
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This was the junction for Dumfries Goods. It was located on the slow lines between Pleasance Junction (to the west) and Noblehill Junction (east). Approach was from the east.
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The up Sunday Thames-Clyde Express at Dumfries on 15 July 1956. Black 5 44669 is piloting Royal Scot 46113 Cameronian. ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 15/07/1956
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British Railways Scottish Region enamel railway sign at the entrance to Dumfries Goods & Mineral Station, still active in 1989.
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Bill Roberton //1989
Looking south from Annan Road bridge to Dumfries Goods & Mineral Station in 1989. The presence of vans and piles of coal suggest the yard was still ...
Bill Roberton //1989
Remains of Dumfries Goods in 1989. Note the vans in the distant sidings. ...
Ewan Crawford //1989
Looking over the meagre remains of Dumfries south sidings from Annan Road bridge in May 2003 as a ScotRail DMU heads off in the in the general ...
John Furnevel 11/05/2003
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This junction was to the south of Dumfries station. It controlled, to the north, the division between the station (west) and Dumfries Shed (east) lines. To the east, from north to south were: the turntable, shed approach, no 2 and no 1 workshop sidings, the fast south and northbound lines, the slow south and northbound lines. The goods yard departed from the slow lines at [[Ramsey Place ...

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This shed was east of Dumfries station on the east side of the line, roughly alongside where Dumfries [2nd] station was located - sited where its shed had been located (a three road shed). This single ended six road shed was approached from the south. It was designed by Andrew Galloway, with his noted high windows in the gable ends (rebuilt in brick and blocked off in the 1940s).
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Dumfries station pilot favourite, Fowler design LMS 2P 4-4-0 40670, is seen on the stored loco lines at 68B Dumfries Shed on 24 August 1963. The loco ...
David Pesterfield 24/08/1963
Crab 2-6-0 No 42795 from Hurlford shed has just returned from the turntable, and has joined Standard 2-6-4 Tanks 80117 and 80119 at Dumfries MPD on 25 ...
Colin Kirkwood 25/05/1964
Black 5 44900 makes a vigorous restart from Dumfries with the summer Saturday 11.05 Glasgow to Blackpool on 9th July 1966.
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Robin McGregor 09/07/1966
The view south from St Marys Street bridge, Dumfries, in May 2002, with the station behind the camera. For more than 90 years the area on the left was ...
John Furnevel 05/05/2002
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This is a two platform station with red sandstone buildings and glazed canopies in the east of the centre of Dumfries. The station is noted for its fine station gardens.
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Dumfries, Lochmaben and Lockerbie Railway
A trainload of imported coal from Hunterston destined for Drax power station rumbles south through Dumfries on a fine May morning in 2008. The area in ...
John Furnevel 20/05/2008
The Station Cafe sits on platform 2 Southbound at Dumfries Railway Station. Highly recommended! ...
John Yellowlees 23/05/2023
One of three superb paintings by Jo McSkimming for the People's Project at Dumfries Station. ...
John Yellowlees 02/08/2017
Black 5 45164, photographed shortly after arrival at Dumfries with an afternoon service from Stranraer in June 1965. ...
Brian Haslehust 05/06/1965
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This junction was at the north end of Dumfries station and was formed between the 1859 Castle Douglas and Dumfries Railway and the 1863 Dumfries, Lochmaben and Lockerbie Railway. To reach the D&CDR the DL&LR crossed the Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway (Glasgow and South Western Railway main line) on the level.
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Dumfries, Lochmaben and Lockerbie Railway
Castle Douglas and Dumfries Railway
Corkerhill based Jubilee 45621 Northern Rhodesia heading home after leaving Dumfries on Saturday 15 July 1961 with a down Leeds relief. ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 15/07/1961
Black 5 44675 approaching Dumfries on 16 July 1961 with a St Enoch - Carlisle semi-fast. ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 16/07/1961
Jubilee 45710 Irresistible of Newton Heath shed takes a Saturday Manchester - Glasgow train north away from the Dumfries stop on 15 July 1961. ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 15/07/1961
Weekend PW activity taking place at the north end of Dumfries on 15 July 1956. Passing the works slowly on the right is Corkerhill Jubilee 4-6-0 no ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 15/07/1956
4 of 7 images. more


This junction is just to the north of Dumfries station and the Edinburgh Road Bridge.
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Castle Douglas and Dumfries Railway
Descending the ramp to join Nunholme Road from the eastern end of the Mawelltown Railway Path in September 2009 (see 71016). On the other side of ...
John Furnevel 01/09/2009
Novel little sign in Dumfries in the shadow of the closed Maxwelltown branch (formerly the Port Road) off the Nith Line. Tom Train refers to a certain ...
Brian Smith 18/03/2016
EWS 66235 passing Maxwelltown Goods Junction on the northern approach to Dumfries in April 2006 with a coal train from Killoch bound for Drax power ...
John Furnevel 17/04/2006
View from a passing train, on 31st August 1985, showing the former 'Port Road' to Stranraer diverging from the GWSR main line north of Dumfries. By ...
Bill Roberton 31/08/1985
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This is a four arch viaduct over the River Nith. To the north are seven arches crossing the low lying land. The A74 crosses over just to the north.
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A Glasgow - Manchester train crosses Martinton Bridge over the River Nith in the summer of 1961 on the northern approach to Dumfries station. Polmadie ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 15/07/1961
EWS 66238 crosses the River Nith on Martinton Bridge with a southbound coal train in May 2010 on the approach to Dumfries station. ...
John Furnevel 13/05/2010
A Blackpool - Glasgow train crossing the 1849 Martinton Bridge over the Nith north of Dumfries station on a summer Saturday in 1961. The locomotive is ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 15/07/1961
Stanier Pacific 46224 Princess Alexandra crossing the Nith at Dumfries on 15 July 1961 with a parcels train heading for St Enoch. ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 15/07/1961
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This was the junction for the Cairn Valley Light Railway (Glasgow and South Western Railway) about 1 and 3/4 miles north of Dumfries. The branch was a single track 'light' railway.
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Cairn Valley Light Railway (Glasgow and South Western Railway)


This two platform station replaced Holywood [1st] station directly to the north over the level crossing. The relocation was some time around 1920. The main station building was on the southbound platform.
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Holywood signal box in March 2008 looking north. The gates are the last wheel operated set in mainline use in Scotland and the remains of the ...
John Clark 21/03/2008
Looking south towards Dumfries from behind the level crossing gates at Holywood on 30 August 2018, I was surprised to see that the platform was still ...
John McIntyre 30/08/2018
The station remains at Holywood, Dumfriesshire (closed 1949). Looking south from the level crossing on a cold and frosty morning in January 2006. ...
John Furnevel 31/01/2006
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This was a two platform station to the north of the level crossing at Holywood. On the west side of the line was a large goods yard, approached from the north.
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The signal box at Holywood, Dumfries & Galloway, photographed in July 1998. ...
David Panton /07/1998
The signal box at Holywood, north of Dumfries, in 1998 looking west over the level crossing. ...
David Panton //1998
A southbound service on the ex-GSWR route about to run over Holywood level crossing on 10 June, heading for its next stop at Dumfries. This is one of ...
David Forbes 10/06/2009
The section of line near Holywood in Dumfries & Galloway has been shut since Monday (February 10) after Storm Ciara’s 90mph winds and extreme ...
Network Rail 14/02/2020
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This is a double track viaduct over the River Nith. The viaduct was replaced in 2004 with a new viaduct to the east of the original. New approach embankments also had to be built.
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Unfortunately 'Ruston' reads like a very accurate description ...

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Mark Wringe 01/05/2016
'Portrack Scottish Garden of Rails 2004' and GSWR main line bridge over the Nith, Charles Jencks Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Portrack House, ...
Mark Wringe 01/05/2016
'Portrack Scottish Garden of Rails 2004' and GSWR main line bridge over the Nith, Charles Jencks Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Portrack Ho, ...
Mark Wringe 01/05/2016
The annual open day at the Charles Jencks 'Garden of Cosmic Speculation' at Portrack House, north of Dumfries, on 1 May 2016. The GSWR main line can ...
Mark Wringe 01/05/2016
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This was a two platform station. The main building was on the northbound platform and there was a goods yard on the west side, approached from the south. This yard was expanded. There was a water tank to the east of the station.
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A refurbished pair of former surfacemens' cottages near the site of Auldgirth station (behind the camera) looking south through the mist towards ...
John Furnevel 31/01/2006
A class 40 hauled southbound train passing Auldgirth signal box in October 1970. Auldgirth station (closed 1952) stands in the left background ...
John Furnevel 18/10/1970
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This is a three arch double track masonry viaduct crossing the Ballochan Linn. The overall length is 99 ft long, height 63 ft.
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This was a two platform station. The main station building was on the northbound platform with a waiting room on the southbound. There was no footbridge, instead there were ramps up to the road bridge to the south.
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The former station at Closeburn, Dumfriesshire, in January 2010. Entrance off the A76. [Ref query 10 October 2010] ...
John Furnevel 31/01/2006
The former station at Closeburn alongside the A76 approximately 12 miles north of Dumfries, photographed in January 2006. The station closed to ...
John Furnevel 31/01/2006
Black 5 45010 pauses at Closeburn in July 1961 with a Dumfries - Glasgow train. [Ref query 783] ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 15/07/1961
3 of 3 images.


This signal box was on the west side of the line opposite a siding for the long tramway to Closeburn Quarry.
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This is a double track four arch viaduct over the Cample Water. The overall length is 204 ft, height 41 ft.
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Thornhill was a two platform station. It remains largely intact with platforms and two storey station building on the southbound platform. It is an excellent survivor. The station was north east of the town, about a mile.
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Looking across the tracks at the station building at Thornhill after the sun had set on 30 August 2018. ...
John McIntyre 30/08/2018
An evening view over the south end of Thornhill station as the sun sets on 30 August 2018. [Ref query 7 September 2018] ...
John McIntyre 30/08/2018
The refurbished station building at Thornhill in January 2006, with northbound coal empties passing. ...
John Furnevel /01/2006
Thornhill, looking north from a passing train on the 31st of August, 1985. ...
Bill Roberton 31/08/1985
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This is a double track four arch viaduct. It is 177 ft long overall and 66 ft high. The viaduct is buttressed. The linesides are heavily forested.
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This is a double track three arch masonry viaduct. It is 147 ft long and 85 ft high. It is known as the Gill Water Viaduct or Gill Burn Viaduct.
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This is a double track six arch masonry viaduct just south of the former Carronbridge station. The viaduct is 330 ft long overall and 124 ft high.
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This was a two platform station just north of the River Carron Viaduct. The main station building was on the southbound platform.
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Approaching Carronbridge. Down Express. 5X 4.6.0 5729. ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow //1941
An unidentified Brush Type 4 brings the 1425 Stranraer Harbour - Newcastle Central through the closed station at Carronbridge. Thought to have been ...
Bruce McCartney Collection //
On Saturday 27th May 1972, I spent most of the day in the Enterkinfoot/Carronbridge area on the G&SW main line, which was busy with diverted WCML ...
Bill Jamieson 27/05/1972
The station at Carronbridge circa 1940. ...
Ian Steele Collection //1940
4 of 6 images. more


This double tunnel is between Sanquhar and the former Carronbridge stations. The tunnel is 1,395 yds long, the third longest tunnel in Scotland.
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This is a four arch double track viaduct which crosses the Enterkin Burn just north of Enterkinfoot. Also known as the Enterkinfoot Viaduct. The viaduct is 219 ft long overall and 116 ft high.
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Drivers on the A76 cannot fail to notice the immense buttressed masonry retaining wall on the east side of the road which supports the embankment of the double track Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway line. This portion of the line opened in 1850.
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This signal box was midway between Sanquhar to the north and Carronbridge to the south. The signal box was on the south side of the line with Ardoch Farm just to the south.
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A Black 5 southbound passing Ardoch, on the GSW route between Sanquhar and Carronbridge, on a miserable July day in 1961, with a Glasgow St Enoch - ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 15/07/1961
A 'Peak' hauled Anglo-Scottish service southbound at Ardoch, midway between Sanquhar and Carronbridge, in the summer of 1961, with the River Nith off ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 15/07/1961
2 of 2 images.


These sidings were close to the summit of the line at Mennock. They were on the west side of the line and served from the north. They were located just south of the Mennock Water Viaduct.
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Ballast Sidings
South of Mennock looking south. ...
Ewan Crawford //
Hurlford 2P 40686 pilots Holbeck Royal Scot 45113 Cameronian with the up Thames Clyde Express southbound between Mennock and Drumlanrig ...
David Stewart 26/08/1960
EE Type 1 8098 with a northbound freight running parallel with the A76 at Mennock on the GSWR main line south of Sanquhar in October 1970. ...
John Furnevel 26/10/1970
3 of 3 images.


This is a three arch double track viaduct over the Mennock Water south of Sanquhar station. The overall length is 177 ft and it is 67 ft high. Also known simply as Mennock Viaduct.
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This two platform station re-opened in 1994. It is in the north of the village. The former station building now offers accommodation.
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156511, on a Glasgow to Carlisle service, calls at Sanquhar on a fine 19 September 2017.
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David Panton 19/09/2017
A collection of bygones (safely fenced off) at Sanquhar station in September 2017.
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David Panton 19/09/2017
The summer Saturday 6.40am Birmingham – Glasgow, heading north near Sanquhar behind Jubilee 4-6-0 45697 'Achilles', in the course of a rather ...
Robin McGregor 31/07/1965
View from the summer Saturday 6.35 am Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow near Mennock, south of Sanquhar. Holbeck Jubilee 45697 'Achilles' was showing a ...
Robin McGregor 31/07/1965
4 of 30 images. more


Sanquhar Tile Works, rail served, was north of Sanquhar station and on the east side of the line. Also known as Buccleuch Brick Works or Terra Cotta Works.
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This is a six arch double track viaduct over the Crawick Water north of Sanquhar station. The overall length is 240 ft and it is 66 ft high. Also known simply as Crawick Viaduct.
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This signal box was between Kirkconnel (to the west) and Sanquhar (east) stations. A short mineral siding, on the north side of the line, ran west from the box to Gateside Colliery Nos 4 and 5 (1891 -1964) and Tower Colliery [Gateside].
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This colliery was west of Sanquhar and on the north side of the railway.
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This is a two platform station. To the west is a signal box (1911, replaced a box from 1881) on the north side of the line. The main station building was at the west end of the westbound platform and a traditional basic waiting room was on the eastbound platform. Both have not survived having been demolished in the late 1990s. The platforms have glazed waiting shelters.
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The 1013 hrs from Glasgow Central to Carlisle heads south from Kirkconnel on 31st August 2018. ...
John McIntyre 31/08/2018
In June 1998 the station buildings at Kirkconnel were looking in a bad way. Restoration or demolition? You got it. The miners' rows behind did however ...
David Panton 11/06/1998
Scotrail 156508 calls at Kirkconnel on 31 August 2018 whilst working the 1013hrs service from Glasgow Central to Carlisle. ...
John McIntyre 31/08/2018
The 11.25 to Carlisle (156 431) departs south into the mirk. ...
Colin Miller 17/01/2016
4 of 24 images. more


This intermediary signal box was located between New Cumnock (to the west) and Kirkconnel. The box was on the south side of the line. There was a trailing crossover.
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This is a two platform station with original station building still standing on the northbound platform and a car park. The station is actually at Pathhead, on the north bank of the River Nith, New Cumnock is on the south bank.
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Virgin Voyager 221109 about to run through New Cumnock whilst working 1Z10, the shuttle from Carlisle to Glasgow Central, on 18 February 2016. ...
Ken Browne 18/02/2016
Virgin Voyager 221142 speeds through New Cumnock on 18 February 2016 with the shuttle from Glasgow Central to Carlisle. The service was put in place ...
Ken Browne 18/02/2016
66079 stops in the loop at New Cumnock for instructions from yardman before proceeding into Crowbandsgate Coal Loading Point in April 2014. ...
Bill Hamilton /04/2014
A northbound Class 156 approaches New Cumnock on 27 May 2010. ...
John McIntyre 27/05/2010
4 of 48 images. more




66079 reversing into Crowbandsgate Coal Loading Point. ...
Bill Hamilton /04/2014
1 of 1 images.


This was originally the branch for the New Cumnock Iron Works, called New Cumnock Iron Works Company's Branch Junction. The branch led off to the south and was approached from the west.
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New Cumnock Waggonway and Bank Branch (Nithsdale Iron Company)
The driver of 66081 surrenders the token at Bank Junction, bringing coal from the Knockshinnoch branch in 2002.
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Bill Roberton //2002
DBS 66121 climbs away from Bank Junction, New Cumnock, on 31 March 2014 with coal from Greenburn destined for West Burton power station. ...
Bill Roberton 31/03/2014
A class 60 slowly draws a loaded coal train from Knockshinnoch Washery onto the G&SW main line at Bank junction in 1997. ...
Ewan Crawford //1997
Black 5 4-6-0 no 45438 passing Bank Junction on 29 July 1951 with a Dumfries - Glasgow train. ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 29/07/1951
4 of 5 images. more


Summit of 616 ft. There was a siding here, on the southbound line and reached by reversal. A cabin was opposite, on the west side of the line. The siding was served by a lane.
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Class 5 4-6-0 no 45100 with a summer Saturday Scarborough - Glasgow express near the summit at Polquhap on 29 July 1963. ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 29/07/1963
Stanier Pacific no 46233 Duchess of Sutherland approaching Polquhap summit, near Cumnock, on 26 April 2012 with the 'Great Britain V' railtour. ...
John Robin 26/04/2012
Black 5 45235 climbing to Polquhap Summit south of Cumnock on 2 April 1965 with a parcels train. ...
John Robin 02/04/1965
3 of 3 images.


This junction was east of Cumnock [2nd] on the Glasgow and South Western Railway main line and was east of Cumnock [1st] on the Ayr and Cumnock line. It gave access to the Muirkirk line without the need to go via Lugar.
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Ayr and Cumnock Line (Glasgow and South Western Railway)


A two platform station with a two storey building on the northbound platform.
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Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
General view of Cumnock station looking north on 29 July 1961. ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 29/07/1961
An up freight from Falkland Yard approaching Cumnock on 29 July 1961. The locomotive in charge is Standard class 5 4-6-0 73123. [Ref query 8 September ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 29/07/1961
A Glasgow St Enoch - Carlisle stopping train calls at Cumnock in the early 1960s behind an unidentified Clan Pacific. [Ref query 21355] ...
John Furnevel Collection //
Kingmoor Black 5 45081 approaching Cumnock from the south in the summer of 1961 at the head of a Glasgow bound express. [Ref query 901] ...
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 29/07/1961
4 of 4 images.