Date: 22/09/2016

The 'shambolic' performance of Scotland's most northerly railway could lead to its eventual closure, a book published today claims. Passenger numbers are falling on the route between Inverness, Wick and Thurso, which has been plagued by chronic unreliability and frequent cancellations. In Highland Survivor: the story of the Far North Line, rail consultant David Spaven argues for urgent action to reverse its fortunes. The 168-mile route was the biggest reprieve among those earmarked for closure by the Beeching report 50 years ago. However, unlike most Scottish lines which have enjoyed booming traffic, Britain's longest rural route is declining and many journeys are far quicker by road.

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Related images

About to board the 1307 service to Inverness at Thurso on 1 September 2015.
Location: Thurso
Company: Sutherland and Caithness Railway
01/09/2015 Brian Smith

No rural idyll these days. Georgemas Junction now features a mighty 110-tonne gantry crane for road-rail transfer of contaminated materials from the decommissioned Dounreay nuclear site. As seen here on 26th August 2015, the redundant former up platform has been lost to the new facility.
Location: Georgemas Junction
Company: Sutherland and Caithness Railway
26/08/2015 David Spaven

North of Brora, The Far North Line runs along the east coast until it reaches Helmsdale then turns inland to follow the Strath of Kildonan. Black 5 No. 44871 is pictured near Loth, between Brora and Helmsdale, with The Great Britain IX.
Location: Loth
Company: Duke of Sutherland^s Railway
01/05/2016 John Gray

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Tags: x Far North Line x David Spaven x Highland Survivor