5025 moving on to the turntable at Aviemore after having arrived with a steam special from Perth in 1982. The turntable came from Kyle of Lochalsh where it had been installed in 1946 to allow Black Fives to work the Kyle line. See article.

In mid-November last year, ScotRail announced that its longest-ever day-time diesel train would be launched the following month, a seven-carriage train running during the evening peak hour as the 17:18 Aberdeen to Inverness service and providing 124 more seats. However, Sandy Colley had previously photographed this impressive nine-coach formation, comprising 170 402, 170 425 and 170 431 in an earlier ScotRail livery, entering Aviemore station from the north.

High winds during the New Year period caused a number of cancellations of trains in the Highlands. However, Sandy Colley thinks there may be hope for the future with what could be the new improved driving position he noted in 37409 at Inverness on 3 January. "Will it allow early warning of fallen trees?" he asks.