The Highland Railway ran from Perth in Central Scotland north to Inverness and then on up the east coast to Wick and Thurso. From Dingwall, the railway ran west to Kyle of Lochalsh to serve Skye and the Western Isles. From Inverness, another line ran east to Keith, where it connected with the line to Aberdeen. Several branches were built from this core network to serve nearby towns.

The Highland Railway Society caters for all those interested in the Highland Railway from its inception to the current day. Membership currently costs £18 per year, for which you receive a quarterly journal and purchase Society publications at reduced prices. An email chat group encourages discussion between members.

As well as being a source of information for modellers, kits and components which are not otherwise available have been produced in both 4mm and 7mm scales.

The Society has established an extensive archive of books, photographs and drawings. Many of the drawings and photographs can be viewed on the Highland Council's Am Baile website. Some of the artefacts are on display at Kyle of Lochalsh Station courtesy of the Friends of the Kyle Line during the summer months. The Society is keen to expand this collection either by donation or purchase.

The Society has published a number of books: the latest is Lairds in Waiting  by Anne-Mary Paterson, which is a well illustrated history of private stations and waiting rooms on the Highland Railway.  The book includes many anecdotes about the families for whom these facilities were created so it is very much takes a social view of Victorian times in the Scottish Highlands.  Therefore the book will appeal to all those who have an interest in the history of the north of Scotland and not just the railway enthusiast.  See the Publications page for ordering details and a full list of other interesting publications produced by the Society.

Journal No 137
  Spring 2021

-Duke of Edinburgh's Birthday Tour 1966
-William Fraser Stationmaster
-An Early Late Fee Box
-Renaissance at Boat of Garten North
-When Troops were Treated like Royalty
-The Livery of Dunrobin, The Duke of Sutherland's Engine, 1895-1965

and much more


 

AGM
 
The announcement of the easing of Covid restrictions has allowed the Highland Railway Society to quietly go ahead with planning for our AGM and Gathering on 11 September.  Once again we will be using the welcoming and comfortable facillities at the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore and have arranged an excellent line up of guest speakers.  Timings will be announced nearer the date.