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
31 October 2021 saw the 'tribute' Blue Pullman HST set arriving at Muir of Ord on its way to Kyle of Lochalsh. Was this the first visit of an Inter-City 125 set to the Far North Line?
The Blue Pullman units' concept was new to the UK on their introduction in 1960, being the first trains with a fixed formation and a single-cab locomotive at each end, designed to form an integrated, streamlined, unit. In a sense they were the inspiration for the HSTs.
Five units were built, two operating from Manchester Central to St Pancras and three for the Western Region [inset] covering Paddington to Birmingham, Bristol or Swansea. All units were withdrawn in 1973.