The Strathspey Railway Charitable Trust is rallying for support from both the public and politicians for its “Rails to Grantown” project, which would see a railway line closed in 1965 reopened.
The Trust needs to raise nearly £5M to complete all aspects of the project including river bridge installation, track bed, track, new station buildings, car parks, platforms, land requirements and a new tunnel. The Scottish Government’s Agency “Transport Scotland” requires a £1M contribution for the construction of a railway tunnel to pass under the re-aligned A95 road at Gaich near Grantown. The line extension to Grantown, once completed, will be maintained and operated by volunteers working on the trains, track and stations.
It is hoped the new line will bring further benefits to tourism, business and employment as well as complimenting existing transport options in a very scenic part of the Cairngorms National Park.
G&V CC Member and Trust Vice Chairman Basil Dunlop said: “Grantown needs a good attraction to boost tourism and business, and this is the only achievable development on offer. It will also provide alternative transport within the Park, and re-establish a direct link with the national rail network”.
