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
Things are certainly happening near the new Inverness Airport Station! In scenes reminiscent of the recent coming of rail to Highland Spring at Blackford, preparation work by Network Rail for the linking of the West Fraser (formerly Norbord) factory near Dalcross to the rail network has been completed.
The work was carried out in conjunction with the installation of the long passing loop for Inverness Airport Station. This means that track and signalling is in place ready for West Fraser to complete the necessary trackwork to allow reception of timber from Altnabreac and elsewhere and loading of Sterling Board for its journey to the rest of the UK and abroad.
This would be excellent news for the Far North Line, and for users of the roads leading to and from Inverness. West Fraser anticipates two trains every day being required - those would replace very many lorries.
These pictures were taken by Bill Moger with the help and permission of West Fraser, and first appeared in the magazine of the Highland Railway Society. The signalling and associated TPWS (Train Protection & Warning System) equipment are easily seen.