On Saturday 19th March SRPS Railtours is running a special train from Linlithgow to Aviemore, picking up at stations on the way, where passengers can spend the day at the Strathspey Diesel gala, explore the town, or visit the distilleries of Speyside.
From Linlithgow the train will pick up passengers at Edinburgh, then cross the Forth Bridge to pick up at Dalgety Bay, Kirkcaldy and Perth, then along the Highland Mainline through Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl and over Drumochter Summit, the highest point on the British railway network to Aviemore.
At Aviemore, passengers can enjoy a coach tour through Monarch of the Glen country and Speyside followed by a visit to a distillery.
Alternatively, there is the option of visiting the Strathspey Railway Diesel Gala which will feature some of the diesel locomotives that call the Strathspey Railway their home, including Class 27, D5394; Class 31, D5862 and Class 37, 37674. A class 117 DMU, Sc.51367 and Sc.51402 will also feature as well as shunting locomotives Class 08, D3605, North British D2774; Ruston DS48, and Queen Anne.
SRPS Railtours started running excursions by train in 1970 and is now the longest established rail tour operator in the UK. The train will consist of Mk.1 carriages of fifties and sixties vintage that have been restored and maintained by SRPS volunteers, and will be hauled by a classic diesel engine throughout.
The fares for the day of scenic out are £84 adult, £63 child or enjoy for added comfort of First Class is available for £126. Passengers will get a reserved seat. They can also pre-booked meals, which will be cooked on the train and brought to their seats with full cooked breakfast for £16 and 3-course hot dinner for £23. As well as the cooked meals, the train will have two Buffet Cars that can provide a selection of snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and a licensed bar throughout the day.
Further information is available from the SRPS website.
