Full steam ahead

Passengers on the Strathspey Steam Railway are on track to travel further through the Cairngorms National Park thanks to a decision by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) on Friday 14 September 2012.

The CNPA Planning Committee approved plans to extend the railway line – which runs from Aviemore – 100 metres eastwards from Broomhill to a crossing point over the River Dulnain. In time, the Strathspey Railway Company would like to re-open the railway all the way to Grantown on Spey.

Deputy Planning Chairman, Peter Argyle, said: “This is the first step towards seeing the railway line between Aviemore and Grantown on Spey reopened, giving people an easy and enjoyable way to travel along the route and experience the National Park and something we’re happy to support. The steam railway is very popular with visitors and this will add to their experience and offer potential benefits to the communities the railway serves.”

The bridge over the River Dulnain will be reinstated with new bridge decking using a former Network Rail steel bridge which is currently stored in Boat of Garten.

Part of the original stone abutments will be removed during the work and then rebuilt to their current appearance. Due to ongoing work on the line, local staff and volunteers are already skilled in carrying out this kind of work.

Planning Officer, Katherine Donnachie, said: “Re-using the original stone abutments will keep the original character of the bridge and preserve a piece of local heritage. We welcome the re-use of materials from a former steel bridge. There will be minimal disruption to the natural environment while the work is carried out, including water of the River Dulnain.”