In 'It Had to Be Tough', his history-cum-memoir of UK Commando training during the second world war, veteran James Dunning vividly describes new volunteers arrival at their Scottish Highlands boot camp. 'No matter what the weather, rain or shine, as the new arrivals tumbled out of the train, in marching order and carrying their rifles and kitbags, the orders ran out like a burst of machine-gun fire: 'Kit bags on the truck and get fell in on the road.' No 'cushy' ride in trucks for the 7 miles to Achnacarry, their training was to start right there and then.' Eighty years later, the arrival of the first batch of Highland Survival Adventure customers at the same station, Spean Bridge, was a more leisurely affair. [Article may require subscription. -RS]

(Permalink) Achnacarry Royal Scotsman Spean Bridge

ScotRail has introduced a temporary train service in a remote part of the Highlands, after locals who have no other access to public transport expressed fears theyd miss out on 'essential' shopping trips and medical appointments.

The 17:37 Fort William Glasgow service was temporarily removed from the timetable following a 90 per cent fall in the number of passengers using the train during the coronavirus pandemic.

The changes being made to the timetable reflect the current demand from customers, while delivering better value for the taxpayer.
(Permalink) Corrour Fort William Rannoch Roy Bridge Sleeper suspension Spean Bridge Timetabling Tulloch