AWESTHIGHLAND CELEBRATION

Glasgow (Queen Street) high-level terminus is being transformed. Platforms are being extended to cope with more frequent and longer trains and the station front is moving forward to the fringe of George Square. One hopes the sign above the concourse, Failte d’on Gaidhealtachd, (‘Welcome to the Land of the Gael’), is being retained; for, as well as a host of services to Lowland destinations and the Central Highlands, a few penetrate some of the most outstanding scenery in the British Isles en route to the west coast, where Gaelic conversation can still be heard.

It was 125 years ago, on August 11, 1894, that the inaugural train from Glasgow steamed under a triumphal arch as it entered Fort William station on the shore of Loch Linnhe. Motive power comprised two North British Railway Holmes 4-4-0s, newly built for the steeply graded line, hauling saloon coaches specially designed for a scenic journey. Leaving the former NBR North Clydeside network at Craigendoran Junction, the single track follows Loch Long and Loch Lomond to Glen Falloch and Crianlarich before traversing Rannoch Moor and dropping into Glen Spean, turning south-west to Fort William, all but 100 miles from the Clyde.

Hill climbers

Earlier proposals had included one by the Glasgow & North Western Railway for a line up the east side of Loch Lomond, then following the route of the present railway to Bridge of Orchy before descending into Glencoe and heading up the Great Glen through Fort William to Inverness. Opposition from the Caledonian and Highland companies put paid to this threatened intrusion and so the West Highland Railway came into being, with the North British as its operator.

Initially restricted to 25mph, WHR trains were powered by various NBR 4-4-0 and 0-6-0 classes. A big step forward came in 1913 with the introduction of Reid’s ‘Glen’ class 4-4-0s, permitted 180 tons tare over the long 1-in-60 gradients, and proving themselves grand hill climbers, although, as trains grew heavier, they often hunted in pairs.

After the 1923 Grouping, help came in the form of LNER Gresley ‘K2’ 2-6-0s, modified with side window cabs to protect crews from West Highland winter weather, and many named after nearby lochs. They were allowed to take 220 tons over the route, although the late O S Nock considered they were less happy with that load than a ‘Glen’ with its 180-ton