The Friends of the Far North Line
Cairdean Na Loine Tuath
the campaign group for rail north of
Inverness - lobbying for improved services for the local user, tourist and freight
operator
FoFNL's 2021 AGM & Conference is planned to take place on Friday 18 June, at Ross County FC stadium in Dingwall.
Our four main speakers are Kate Forbes MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance; Bill Reeve, Director of Rail, Transport Scotland; Phil Sherratt, Editor, Modern Railways magazine and David Simpson, Operations Director, ScotRail. There will also be a report from Frank Roach, Partnership Manager, HITRANS and a short update from Alice Gillman of Vivarail about their latest rolling stock plans.
The day normally begins around 10:00 and is wound up before 16:00.
A decision to postpone, in the event of continuing Covid-19 restrictions, will be published a few weeks ahead.
Report of FoFNL Committee Meeting on 19 October 2020 (by Zoom)
Present: Ian Budd, Mike Lunan, Richard Ardern, David Spaven, David Start, Iain MacDonald, Neil Wallace and Frank Roach (HITRANS)
Apologies: Angus Stewart, Malcolm Wood
FR gave a wide-ranging update which included the following:
Agreed to continue to push for a dynamic loop, referring to precedents from elsewhere.
Noted that NR were actively looking at various options under GRIP3.
Accepting that current proposals extend north to Tain, need more information on practical combinations of battery and hydrogen options for remaining sections.
It was agreed that this needs to be done, notwithstanding the current Covid-19 restrictions and the committee can confer by email on how to proceed.
RA outlined records available and highlighted current restrictions in Highland Archive Centre facilities. FR offered his records for archive in due course. RA to pursue this further.
IB agreed to keep a record of suggested new committee members for future reference. There is no requirement at present. Possible candidates were discussed.
It was agreed that we should consider spending money on occasion to support relevant worthwhile publicity, campaigning and education/training.
Examples discussed included consideration of contributing to the cost of a banner at Inverness Station FNL and Kyle platform entrance, making a modest donation to a relevant rail campaign, and giving financial support to an appropriate education or training position, perhaps by means of a bursary.
Agreed that summary style reports would be included in Far North Express rather than website. Less formal approach would be acceptable. Any important financial decisions would be specifically recorded.
Treasurer confirmed healthy states of FoFNL accounts.