Waverley Route 150th Anniversary

[cessna152towser]

Today marked the 150th Anniversary of our railway through the Scottish Borders from Edinburgh to Carlisle which opened on 1st July 1862. The route was known as the Waverley Route after the Waverley Novels as it passed through Sir Walter Scott country. The line was closed in 1969 and the train journey from Edinburgh to Carlisle now takes a more circuitous route to join the Glasgow to Carlisle route at Carstairs. Happily we have been able to re-open a short scenic section of the older more direct route as a heritage railway. Until now only short cab rides in a small switcher had been available but we have now obtained a railbus in time for passenger train services to be resumed on 1st July 2012.

Welcome to Whitrope

The train approaches

Your train crew awaits

The line was officially re-opened by John Lamont, Member of the Scottish Parliament.

The buffet girls, Joyce and Gabrielle

The first class buffet, set out for afternoon tea, with attendant Julia in background.

I wore my Royal Air Force tartan kilt.

Lineside shot.

Approaching bridge 199 near the summit of the line.
That's all folks.

[McClef]

Speaking as a hard working member of a Heritage railway line it's always good to see others reopen!

Nice looking buffet and dining area!

[tulloch]

Wonderful photos Alex. Thank you.

[brewerpaul]

Wow, thanks for sharing. Worth the trip to take the ride. Next time we get to Scotland we want to do it by rail so we can spend time hiking and biking. I wish we had good public transport, the rails, in the colonies. Really looks like a special ride.

[BobsYourUncle]

Great stuff! Kudos for the time and effort required to bring this heritage railway line back to life!