New Wick Train Service
At the Friends of the Far North Line AGM in Beauly on Saturday 19 November members heard that the Scottish Executive was planning to introduce a fourth train from Wick to Inverness in December 2006. Leaving Wick after 0800 it will allow a connection at Thurso off the first inbound ferry from Orkney, arriving in Inverness after midday. The train will return north at the usual time of 1747 as a four car train.
Friends' President John Thurso MP commented: "I welcome this excellent news to add an extra service between Wick and Inverness. It will be of benefit to local residents and tourists, and in particular will assist travel from Orkney to Inverness and beyond. Perhaps the train could be named 'The Orcadian' as in the past?"
Maureen MacMillan MSP, who also attended the meeting said: "The additional morning train from Wick to Inverness allowing the ferry connection is a great step forward and I am sure it will be welcomed in Caithness."
Roger Piercy, Friends' spokesman said: "This is a service that we have lobbied for over the years. We are delighted to learn of this. It keeps up the momentum of Invernet which comes in on 12 December this year."
On Saturday details of the new catering service on the Inverness to Central Belt route also emerged. From 12 December First ScotRail is to deploy trains with a fixed buffet selling hot food - the only service of this type on their network. Maureen MacMillan MSP further added: "The provision of meals on Inverness-Edinburgh/Glasgow services will be of personal benefit as I often travel up and down on the evening train and will relish a hot meal."
At the meeting former Rail Passengers Committee (Scotland) Convener Mike Lunan, who is now a Thurso resident, was elected Convener of the Friends. He said: "The Friends of the Far North Line is one of only two or three first class rail user groups in Scotland. I look forward to continuing the excellent work of my predecessors."
For further info contact Mike Lunan, Convener, Friends of the Far North Line 01847 890911
1. Invernet creates a suburban rail service for the Highland capital. On 12 December 2005 commuter trains begin from Kingussie and Lairg, with 5 additional trains to Tain/Invergordon/Ardgay.