Inverness miniature railway on track for a big revamp
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The much-loved Ness Islands Railway is set to undergo an ambitious £70,000 refurbishment over the next three years.
The miniature railway, which has carried thousands of tourists and locals over the years was bought by Highland Hospice in April as a money-making venture for the charity.
It now plans to get a second engine and also carry out landscaping and replanting along the route.
The Inverness Common Good Fund has approved a £10,000 grant towards the project and the Inverness City Heritage Trust has given an award of more than £4000 towards the restoration of the railway’s bridge – previously a Victorian footbridge over the River Ness – which was vandalised earlier this year.
An online fundraising campaign has also been launched and so far has raised more than £1300.
Andrew Leaver, the hospice fundraising director, outlined the public’s fondness for the miniature railway.
“If you sit on it and go round, you just have to smile – that’s what everyone feels,” he said.
“It is a really special part of Inverness. We are delighted it has become a part of the hospice.”
It was first established in 1983 by Ian Young who died last year aged 75.
The hospice subsequently bought it from his family to generate income to support the delivery of its services.
The aim now is to buy a second-hand engine which will enable the railway to keep running if repairs or maintenance need to be carried out, or to offer variety.
It is currently open at weekends and is due to close on October 27 for the winter.
Anyone wanting to donate money to the miniature railway appeal should go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/nessislandsrailway
