The main lines of the Highland Railway
The Highland Railway was one of the smaller British railways before the Railways Act 1921, operating north of Perth railway station in Scotland and serving the farthest north of Britain. Based in Inverness, the company was formed by merger in 1865, absorbing over 249 miles (401 km) of line. It continued to expand, reaching Wick and Thurso in the north and Kyle of Lochalsh in the west, eventually serving the counties of Caithness, Sutherland, Ross & Cromarty, Inverness, Perth, Nairn, Moray and Banff. Southward it connected with the Caledonian Railway at Stanley Junction, north of Perth, and eastward with the Great North of Scotland Railway at Boat of Garten, Elgin, Keith and Portessie.[1]
In 1923, the company passed on approximately 494 miles (795 km) of line as it became part of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway. Although its shorter branches have closed, former Highland Railway lines remain open from Inverness to Wick and Thurso, Kyle of Lochalsh, Keith (as part of the Aberdeen to Inverness Line), as well as the direct main line south to Perth.
Main line
The Highland Railway main line between Inverness and Perth, which opened in 1863, left the Caledonian Railway at Stanley and then ran north over the Grampian Mountains. After 1898 the line followed a more direct route via Carrbridge, leaving the earlier line via Forres at a junction at Aviemore.
Between 1865 and 1965 the Highland operated one branch from Ballinluig to Aberfeldy.
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Perth | 0 mi 0 chains (0 km) | 22 May 1842 | | Opened as Perth General, Joint station, renamed 1952. |
Luncarty | 4 mi 16 chains (6.8 km) | 2 August 1848 | 18 June 1951 | Caledonian Railway station |
Strathord | 5 mi 12 chains (8.3 km) | 2 August 1848 | 13 April 1931 | Opened as Dunkeld Road, renamed Strathord siding 1 February 1857, the 'siding' was dropped August 1866. Caledonian Railway station |
Stanley | 7 mi 18 chains (11.6 km) | 2 August 1848 | 11 June 1951 | Caledonian Railway station, Highland Railway main line left Caledonian line here. |
Murthly | 10 mi 28 chains (16.7 km) | 7 April 1856 | 3 May 1965 | |
Rohallion | | 7 April 1856 | October 1864 | |
Dunkeld and Birnam | 15 mi 45 chains (25.0 km) | 7 April 1856 | | Renamed Dunkeld in 1861; name been changed from Dunkeld and Birnam to Dunkeld and back again several times |
Dalguise | 20 mi 23 chains (32.6 km) | 1 June 1863 | 3 May 1965 | |
Guay | 21 mi 36 chains (34.5 km) | 1 June 1863 | 3 August 1959 | |
Ballinluig | 23 mi 44 chains (37.9 km) | 1 June 1863 | 3 May 1965 | Junction for Aberfeldy branch from 1865 to 1965. |
Pitlochry | 28 mi 36 chains (45.8 km) | 1 June 1863 | | |
Killiecrankie | 32 mi 16 chains (51.8 km) | 1865 | 3 May 1965 | |
Blair Atholl | 35 mi 20 chains (56.7 km) | 9 September 1863 | | Opened as Blair Athole, renamed 7 September 1893 |
Black Island Platform | 36 mi 16 chains (58.3 km) | | 11 April 1959 | Private |
Struan | 39 mi 65 chains (64.1 km) | 9 September 1863 | 3 May 1965 | |
Dalanraoch | 44 mi 49 chains (71.8 km) | | | |
Dalnaspidal | 50 mi 79 chains (82.1 km) | 1865 | 3 May 1965 | |
Dalwhinnie | 53 mi 0 chains (85.3 km) | 9 September 1863 | | |
Newtonmore | 68 mi 58 chains (110.6 km) | 9 September 1863 | | |
Kingussie | 71 mi 48 chains (115.2 km) | 9 September 1863 | | |
Kincraig | 77 mi 33 chains (124.6 km) | 9 September 1863 | 18 October 1965 | Opened as Boat of Insch, renamed 1 September 1871 |
Aviemore | 79 mi 49 chains (128.1 km) | 3 August 1863 | | Junction for Forres line. |
Carrbridge | 90 mi 2 chains (144.9 km) | 6 July 1892 | | Opened as Carr Bridge, renamed 16 May 1983 |
Tomatin | 98 mi 79 chains (159.3 km) | 8 July 1897 | 3 May 1965 | |
Moy | 103 mi 10 chains (166.0 km) | 8 July 1897 | 3 May 1965 | |
Daviot | 107 mi 4 chains (172.3 km) | 8 July 1897 | 3 May 1965 | |
Culloden Moor | 111 mi 27 chains (179.2 km) | 1 November 1898 | 3 May 1965 | |
Inverness | 117 mi 78 chains (189.9 km) | 5 November 1855 | | |
Aberfeldy branch
The Aberfeldy branch left the main line at Ballinluig. The line opened on 3 July 1865 and was closed to passengers on 3 May 1965.
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Ballinluig | 0 mi 0 chains (0 km) | On main line, 23 mi 44 chains (37.9 km) from Perth |
Balnaguard[lower-alpha 1] | 2 mi 11 chains (3.4 km) | 2 December 1935 | 3 May 1965 | |
Grandtully | 4 mi 27 chains (7.0 km) | 3 July 1865 | 3 May 1965 | |
Aberfeldy | 8 mi 59 chains (14.1 km) | 3 July 1865 | 3 May 1965 | |
Keith and Aviemore to Inverness
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Keith Junction | 0 mi 0 chains (0 km) | 18 August 1858 | | GnoSR station had opened 10 October 1856. Renamed Keith Junction by LMS, renamed Keith 12 May 1980. Junction with the Portessie branch |
Tauchers Platform[lower-alpha 1] | 3 mi 70 chains (6.2 km) | After 1923 | 7 December 1964 | |
Mulben | 4 mi 75 chains (7.9 km) | 18 August 1858 | 7 December 1964 | |
Orton | 8 mi 27 chains (13.4 km) | 18 August 1858 | 7 December 1964 | From 1858 the Morayshire Railway operated a branch to Rothes. Through services operated until 1862 and services were withdrawn in 1866. |
Orbliston Junction | 11 mi 61 chains (18.9 km) | 23 October 1858 | | Opened as Fochabers, renamed in 1893, when the junction to Fochabers Town opened, and renamed Orbliston in 1960. |
Lhanbryde | 14 mi 54 chains (23.6 km) | 18 August 1858 | 7 December 1964 | |
Elgin | 18 mi 5 chains (29.1 km) | 25 March 1858 | | Morayshire had opened their station 10 August 1852, and the two stations were linked. The GNoSR reached here in xxx. |
Mosstowie | 21 mi 24 chains (34.3 km) | 25 March 1858 | 7 March 1955 | |
Alves | 23 mi 21 chains (37.4 km) | 25 March 1858 | 3 May 1965 | Junction for Burghead and Hopeman branch. |
Kinloss | 27 mi 8 chains (43.6 km) | 25 March 1858 | 3 May 1965 | Moved in 1860 when Findhorn branch opened, moved back in 1904 |
Forres | 30 mi 20 chains (48.7 km) | 25 March 1858 | | Moved in 1863, when line to Perth opened. Junction with line from Aviemore, continues to Inverness. |
Station |
Distance from Perth |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Aviemore | 79 mi 49 chains (128.1 km) | 3 August 1863 | | Junction for Direct line via Carrbridge |
Boat of Garten | 88 mi 44 chains (142.5 km) | 3 August 1863 | 18 October 1965 | Joint station with GnoSR. Heritiage Railway |
Broomhill | 92 mi 55 chains (149.2 km) | 3 August 1863 | 18 October 1965 | Broomhill for Nethy Bridge in some timetables |
Grantown on Spey West | 95 mi 76 chains (154.4 km) | 3 August 1863 | 18 October 1965 | Opened as Grantown, renamed Grantown-on-Spey 1912, West added 1950 |
Castle Grant Platform | 98 mi 21 chains (158.1 km) | 3 August 1863 | | Private |
Dava | 104 mi 32 chains (168.0 km) | 6 February 1905 | 18 October 1965 | |
Dunphail | 110 mi 58 chains (178.2 km) | 3 August 1863 | 18 October 1965 | |
Rafford | | 3 August 1863 | 31 May 1865 | |
Forres | 119 mi 24 chains (192.0 km) | Joins line from Keith |
Brodie | 122 mi 55 chains (197.4 km) | 22 December 1857 | 3 May 1965 | |
Auldearn | 126 mi 31 chains (203.4 km) | 10 March 1905 | 6 June 1960 | |
Nairn | 128 mi 63 chains (207.3 km) | 5 November 1855 | | |
Gollanfield | 134 mi 28 chains (216.2 km) | 5 November 1855 | 3 May 1965 | Opened as Fort George, renamed Gollanfield Junction 1899 and renamed Gollanfield 1959. |
Dalcross | 137 mi 10 chains (220.7 km) | 5 November 1855 | 3 May 1965 | |
Castle Stuart Platform | 138 mi 23 chains (222.6 km) | | | Private |
Allanfearn | 140 mi 46 chains (226.2 km) | 5 November 1855 | 3 May 1965 | Opened as Culloden, renamed 1898 |
Inverness | 143 mi 75 chains (231.6 km) | 5 November 1855 | | |
Portessie branch
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Keith Junction | 0 mi 0 chains (0 km) | |
Aultmore | 2 mi 27 chains (3.8 km) | 1 August 1884 | 9 August 1915 | Opened as Forgie, renamed 1899. |
Enzie | 5 mi 63 chains (9.3 km) | 1 August 1884 | 9 August 1915 | |
Drybridge Platform | 10 mi 03 chains (16.2 km) | 1 August 1884 | 9 August 1915 | |
Rathven | 11 mi 29 chains (18.3 km) | 1864 | 14 September 1931 | Opened as Wards, renamed Coltfield 1865, and Coltfield Platform about 1880. |
Buckie | 12 mi 26 chains (19.8 km) | 23 December 1862 | 14 September 1931 | |
Portessie | 13 mi 64 chains (22.2 km) | 10 October 1892 | 14 September 1931 | . |
Junction with GNoSR | 13 mi 71 chains (22.3 km) | |
Fochabers branch
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Orbliston Junction | 0 mi 0 chains (0 km) | On Keith to Inverness line, 11 miles 61 chains (18.9 km) from Keith |
Balnacoul Halt | 2 mi 19 chains (3.6 km) | | 14 September 1931 | |
Fochabers Town | 3 mi 00 chains (4.8 km) | 23 October 1893 | 14 September 1931 | Opened as Fochabers, renamed in 1894. |
Burghead and Hopeman branch
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Alves | 0 mi 0 chains (0 km) | On Keith to Inverness line, 23 miles 21 chains (37.4 km) from Keith |
Coltfield | 2 mi 20 chains (3.6 km) | 1864 | 14 September 1931 | Opened as Wards, renamed Coltfield 1865, and Coltfield Platform about 1880. |
Burghead | 5 mi 37 chains (8.8 km) | 23 December 1862 | 14 September 1931 | Station moved in 1892, distance shown for original station |
Hopeman | 7 mi 5 chains (11.4 km) | 10 October 1892 | 14 September 1931 | Closed between 1917 and 1918/9. |
Findhorn branch
An independent company built and opened the railway, and the line was taken over by the Inverness & Aberdeen Junction Railway 1862. The line was closed by the Highland in 1869.
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Kinloss | 0 mi (0 km) | On Keith to Inverness line, 27 miles 8 chains (43.6 km) from Keith |
Findhorn | 3 mi (4.8 km) | 18 April 1860 | 1 January 1869 | |
Fort George branch
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Gollanfield Junction | 0 mi 0 chains (0 km) | On Aviemore to Inverness line, 134 miles 28 chains (216.2 km) from Perth |
Fort George | 134 mi 28 chains (216.2 km) | 1 July 1899 | 5 April 1943 | Restricted service after 1943 |
Far North Line
The Far North Line between Inverness and Wick and Thurso opened in stages between 1862 and 1874. As well as the Kyle of Lochalsh Line that branches at Dingwell, the Black Isle Branch left at Muir of Ord for Fortrose, the Dornoch Light Railway left at The Mound for Dornoch and the Wick & Lybster Light Railway ran from Wick to Lybster.
Station |
Distance from Perth |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Inverness | 117 mi 34 chains (189.0 km) | 5 November 1855 | | |
Bunchrew | 121 mi 34 chains (195.4 km) | 11 June 1862 | 13 June 1960 | |
Lentran | 123 mi 45 chains (198.9 km) | 11 June 1862 | 13 June 1960 | Reopened briefly during March 1982 |
Clunes | 124 mi 29 chains (200.1 km) | 1864 | | |
Beauly | 127 mi 67 chains (205.7 km) | 11 June 1862 | 13 June 1960 | |
Muir of Ord | 130 mi 61 chains (210.4 km) | 11 June 1862 | | Junction for the Black Isle Branch. Closed 1960–76. |
Conon | 133 mi 78 chains (215.6 km) | 11 June 1862 | 13 June 1960 | Reopened 2013 as Conon Bridge |
Dingwall | 136 mi 34 chains (219.6 km) | 11 June 1862 | | Junction for Kyle of Lochalsh Line |
Foulis | 140 mi 51 chains (226.3 km) | 23 May 1863 | 13 June 1960 | Opened as Fowlis, renamed 1916 |
Evanton | 142 mi 58 chains (229.7 km) | 23 May 1863 | 13 June 1960 | Opened as Novar, renamed 1937 |
Alness | 146 mi 25 chains (235.5 km) | 23 May 1863 | | Closed 1960–73 |
Invergordon | 149 mi 12 chains (240.0 km) | 23 May 1863 | | |
Delny | 152 mi 53 chains (245.7 km) | 1 June 1864 | 13 June 1960 | |
Kildary | 154 mi 35 chains (248.5 km) | 1 June 1864 | 13 June 1960 | Opened as Parkhill, renamed May 1868 |
Nigg | 156 mi 79 chains (252.6 km) | 1 June 1864 | 13 June 1960 | |
Fearn | 158 mi 34 chains (255.0 km) | 1 June 1864 | | |
Tain | 162 mi 0 chains (260.7 km) | 1 June 1864 | | |
Edderton | 167 mi 29 chains (269.3 km) | 1 October 1864 | 13 June 1960 | |
West Fearn Platform[lower-alpha 1] | 172 mi 78 chains (278.4 km) | 1926 | 1928 | Briefly open as Mid Fearn Halt in 1864/5 |
Ardgay | 175 mi 43 chains (282.5 km) | 1 October 1864 | | Bonar Bridge until May 1977 |
Culrain | 178 mi 51 chains (287.5 km) | 1871 | | |
Invershin | 179 mi 7 chains (288.2 km) | 13 April 1868 | | |
Lairg | 184 mi 49 chains (297.1 km) | 13 April 1868 | | |
Rogart | 194 mi 47 chains (313.2 km) | 13 April 1868 | | Closed 1960/1 |
The Mound | 198 mi 44 chains (319.5 km) | 13 April 1868 | 13 June 1960 | Junction for the Dornoch Light Railway. |
Golspie | 202 mi 6 chains (325.2 km) | 13 April 1868 | | |
Dunrobin | 203 mi 72 chains (328.1 km) | 1 November 1870 | | Private after 1871, closed 1965. Reopened for irregular services after 1985 |
Brora | 208 mi 15 chains (335.0 km) | 19 June 1871 | | |
Loth | 213 mi 39 chains (343.6 km) | 19 June 1871 | 13 June 1960 | |
Helmsdale | 219 mi 10 chains (352.6 km) | 19 June 1871 | | |
Salzcraggie Platform | 221 mi 70 chains (357.1 km) | 28 July 1874 | 29 November 1965 | Restricted use after 1907 |
Kildonan | 228 mi 52 chains (368.0 km) | 28 July 1874 | | |
Borrobol | 232 mi 42 chains (374.2 km) | 1878 | 29 November 1965 | Known as Borrobol Platform until 1962 |
Kinbrace | 235 mi 71 chains (379.6 km) | 28 July 1874 | | |
Forsinard | 243 mi 34 chains (391.8 km) | 28 July 1874 | | |
Altnabreac | 251 mi 56 chains (405.1 km) | 28 July 1874 | | |
Scotscalder | 260 mi 61 chains (419.7 km) | 28 July 1874 | | |
Halkirk | 263 mi 39 chains (424.0 km) | 28 July 1874 | | |
Georgemas Junction | 264 mi 79 chains (426.5 km) | 28 July 1874 | | Junction for Thurso |
Bower | 267 mi 59 chains (430.9 km) | 28 July 1874 | 13 June 1960 | |
Watten | 271 mi 50 chains (437.1 km) | 28 July 1874 | 13 June 1960 | |
Bilbster | 275 mi 7 chains (442.7 km) | 28 July 1874 | 13 June 1960 | |
Wick | 279 mi 14 chains (449.3 km) | 28 July 1874 | | |
Black Isle branch
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Muir of Ord | 0 mi 0 chains (0 km) | On Far North Line, 130 mi 61 chains (210.4 km) from Perth |
Redcastle | 3 mi 58 chains (6.0 km) | 1 February 1894 | 1 October 1951 | |
Allangrange | 5 mi 39 chains (8.8 km) | 1 February 1894 | 1 October 1951 | |
Munlochy | 8 mi 02 chains (12.9 km) | 1 February 1894 | 1 October 1951 | |
Avoch | 11 mi 25 chains (18.2 km) | 1 February 1894 | 1 October 1951 | |
Fortrose | 13 mi 45 chains (21.8 km) | 1 February 1894 | 1 October 1951 | |
Dornoch Light Railway
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
The Mound | 0 mi 0 chains (0 km) | On Far North Line, 198 mi 44 chains (319.5 km) from Perth |
Cambusavie Halt | 1 mi 28 chains (2.2 km) | 2 June 1902 | 13 June 1960 | |
Skelbo | 3 mi 60 chains (6.0 km) | 2 June 1902 | 13 June 1960 | |
Embo | 5 mi 33 chains (8.7 km) | 2 June 1902 | 13 June 1960 | |
Dornoch | 7 mi 51 chains (12.3 km) | 2 June 1902 | 13 June 1960 | |
Georgemas Branch
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Georgemas Junction | 0 mi 0 chains (0 km) | On Far North Line, 264 miles 79 chains (426.5 km) from Perth |
Hoy | 0 mi 75 chains (1.5 km) | 28 July 1874 | 29 November 1965 | |
Thurso | 6 mi 52 chains (10.7 km) | 28 July 1874 | | |
Wick & Lybster Light Railway
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Wick | 0 mi 0 chains (0 km) | On Far North Line, 279 miles 14 chains (449.3 km) from Perth |
Thrumster | 4 mi 32 chains (7.1 km) | 1 July 1903 | 1 April 1944 | |
Welsh's Crossing Halt | 6 mi 52 chains (10.7 km) | | 1 April 1944 | |
Ulbster | 7 mi 47 chains (12.2 km) | 1 July 1903 | 1 April 1944 | |
Mid Clyth | 9 mi 52 chains (15.5 km) | 1 July 1903 | 1 April 1944 | |
Roster Road Halt | 10 mi 09 chains (16.3 km) | c. 1938 | 1 April 1944 | |
Occumster | 12 mi 32 chains (20.0 km) | 1 July 1903 | 1 April 1944 | |
Parkside Halt | 12 mi 72 chains (20.8 km) | c. 1938 | 1 April 1944 | |
Lybster | 13 mi 63 chains (22.2 km) | 1 July 1903 | 1 April 1944 | |
Kyle of Lochalsh Line
The Kyle of Lochalsh Line leaves the Far North Line at Dingwall. Between 1885 and 1946 a branch left the line at Fodderty Junction, 138 miles 56 chains (223.2 km) from Perth. The line was diverted in 1954, as part of a hydro electric project that raised the level of Loch Luichart, the distances are measured from Perth via this new line.
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Dingwall | 136 mi 34 chains (219.6 km) from Perth on Far North Line |
Achterneed | 141 mi 7 chains (227.1 km) | 19 August 1870 | 7 December 1965 | Opened as Strathpeffer, renamed 1885. |
Garve | 148 mi 23 chains (238.6 km) | 19 August 1870 | | |
Lochluichart | 153 mi 44 chains (247.1 km) | 1 August 1871 | | Station and line moved in 1954 |
Achanalt | 157 mi 74 chains (254.2 km) | 19 August 1870 | | |
Achnasheen | 164 mi 24 chains (264.4 km) | 19 August 1870 | | |
Glencarron | 172 mi 52 chains (277.9 km) | 1 August 1871 | 7 December 1964 | Opened as Glencarron Platform, renamed 1962 |
Achnashellach | 176 mi 66 chains (284.6 km) | 1871 | | |
Strathcarron | 182 mi 23 chains (293.4 km) | 19 August 1870 | | |
Attadale | 184 mi 49 chains (297.1 km) | 1880 | | |
Stromeferry | 189 mi 42 chains (305.0 km) | 19 August 1870 | | |
Duncraig[lower-alpha 1] | 193 mi 36 chains (311.3 km) | 23 May 1949 | | Opened as Duncraig platform, renamed 1962. Closed between 1964 and 1976 |
Plockton | 194 mi 49 chains (313.2 km) | 2 November 1897 | | |
Duirinish | 196 mi 3 chains (315.5 km) | 2 November 1897 | | |
Kyle of Lochalsh | 200 mi 6 chains (322.0 km) | 2 November 1897 | | |
Strathpeffer Branch
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Dingwall | 136 mi 34 chains (219.6 km) from Perth on Far North Line |
Strathpeffer | 141 mi 14 chains (227.2 km) | 3 June 1885 | 23 February 1946 | |
Invergarry & Fort Augustus Railway
The Invergarry & Fort Augustus Railway was an isolated branch from Spean Bridge that was worked by the Highland from when it opened in 1903 until 1 May 1907, when the North British Railway took over.
Station |
Distance |
Opened |
Closed |
Notes |
Spean Bridge | 0 mi 0 chains (0 km) | 7 August 1894 | | |
Gairlochy | 2 mi 58 chains (4.4 km) | 22 July 1903 | 1 December 1933 | Closed 1911–13 |
Invergloy Platform | 7 mi 29 chains (11.8 km) | 22 July 1903 | 1 December 1933 | Closed 1911–13 |
Invergarry | 15 mi 12 chains (24.4 km) | 22 July 1903 | 1 December 1933 | Closed 1911–13 |
Aberchalder | 19 mi 34 chains (31.3 km) | 22 July 1903 | 1 December 1933 | Closed 1911–13 |
Fort Augustus | 23 mi 19 chains (37.4 km) | 22 July 1903 | 1 December 1933 | Closed 1911–13 |
Fort Augustus Pier | 24 mi 16 chains (38.9 km) | 22 July 1903 | 1 October 1906 | |
Notes and references
Footnotes
- 1 2 3 4 Opened after the HR had become part of the LMS
References
Sources
- Butt, R. V. J. (1995). The Directory of Railway Stations: details every public and private passenger station, halt, platform and stopping place, past and present (1st ed.). Patrick Stephens Ltd. ISBN 1-85260-508-1.
- Vallance, H. A. (27 June 1991). Great North of Scotland railway. The History of the Railways of the Scottish Highlands vol 3. David St John Thomas. ISBN 978-0-946537-60-0.
- Vallance, H.A.; Clinker, C.R. (1971). The Highland Railway. Pan Macmillan. ISBN 978-0-330-02720-5.
External links