2024 THIRD TRIP TO SCOTLAND

Sunday 2nd June 2024

Eight members set off for this third trip to Scotland. One of which returned from a long term
overhaul and another from a preventative intermediate inspection. One other member has now
been permanently withdrawn while a remaining member continues overseas excursions.

The journey to Inverness was 61 mins late (full refund of fare (£45.70) as three kids had trespassed onto the track north of Newcastle. This led to all trains held until the situation was resolved. There was a pile up of delayed trains at Newcastle waiting for clearance.

When informing the B&B of our impending delay (they officially closed at 20.00) we had to read out
card details to the B&B manager where we were staying on the train. Fortunately there were no scammers around making notes!!

One member of the group complained of the hard seating impacting his rear end, perhaps he needs a refit of springs to soften the impact of a long journey.

Monday to Kyle of Lochalsh

Today we bought our 4-day rover tickets. PB managed to forget to pick up his credit so after a frantic
search returned to ticket office where it had been handed in. Phew!

Beautiful day for it some went all the way the others visited Plockton. One of this group lost his medication but it was found by local lady so fortunately it was recovered.

In the evening we had a very disappointing meal at a nearby Pub. Bread was not served separately and several meals not available. When asking for the wine list we were told only red or white wine was on site!!! Eventually, we gave up on getting a dessert so paid and left.

Tuesday to Thurso one to Keith & Dufftown Railway

7 of the 8 went to Thurso while ER went to Keith for a visit to the railway there (Not steam).

The Thurso group had clear weather but experienced the impending cold NW wind which stayed with us for the next few days. As the return was a repeat of the outward trip many pleasant dreams were experienced on the way back and of course the train was delayed.

While travelling to Keith the “Royal Scotsman” passed at Elgin station on its tour of the Highlands.

ER visited the main centre at Dufftown at end of the line for lunch and a chat with the staff. There
was also a whiskey-tasting railcar prepared for special visiting days.

In addition ER visited the Iron Bridge at Craigellachie designed by Telford with the Iron parts supplied from Wales. This was followed by a visit to Keith Town station where a chartered train arrived.

The weather was getting colder but was generally dry with some sunshine around showers.

This time an excellent Italian meal not far from the hotel
Wednesday

The group left Inverness to travel to Aviemore to visit the Spey Side steam railway.

Now PB had not read his program stating that we were getting off at Aviemore for the steam Railway. Therefore he had just bought a hot drink and was waiting for it to cool when told we had to get off. Minor panic as a rush for luggage entailed and get off before the train left.

Black Five 5025 was the operating steam locomotive. The weather gave us excellent views of the river Spey and surrounding countryside. It was very warm on the train.

We chatted with a lady on her first day who was serving those travelling in the observation car. A photo was taken.

The train to Stirling our next overnight stop broke down at Inverness so had to wait for replacement which only went as far as Perth. In the meantime we froze on Aviemore station when outside a
waiting room. The cold was backed up by recent snow visible on the mountain tops in JUNE!!!

So the feature of delays on this trip continued. More delays this trip than all our other trips put together!! A further refund for the delay was available for those that applied.

Excellent Indian Curry in the evening

Thursday

A free choice for everyone!

One went to Oban others stayed in Stirling and visited the castle and other spots. This meant rest and sleep. The other three went to Wemyss Bay (One Ice Cream) to see the recommended station then onto Largs where further Ice Cream was consumed. The Ice Cream and Chips shop was advertised at one shop but declined. It was noted that the Vikings were driven out of this area at the Battle of Largs.

The island of Bute was easily visible and also the Scottish peninsular beyond it.

A loud explosion was heard by MS in the B&B but it didn’t register with a shaking of the building or
on the Richter scale.

Excellent Chinese meal that night

Friday

Homeward bound again late leaving as Royal Scotsman was in the same platform at Waverly letting passengers off while the band played and customers thanked the staff as they left.

Another reason not to stay in Edinburgh was Taylor Swift was performing that weekend and fans
from all over were descending on the city.

Train eventually arrived at Kings Cross on time so home reasonably early. Two members thought they were behind so got home before the rest. Actually the others had been waiting for them at Kings Cross!!!

Overall it was a good trip and following discussions, it was suggested next year for East Anglia and South Yorkshire in the first week of June for next year.