Highland Hospice-run Ness Islands Railway steams off for the new season and its 40th anniversary celebration
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It is the littlest railway, now steaming into a great big birthday year.
The Ness Islands Railway will be back on the tracks from tomorrow as it begins 40th anniversary celebrations.
Young and old train enthusiasts alike will be welcomed back to enjoy the thrill of the open air mini-railway, 7¼ inch gauge rides around leafy Whin Park.
With the weather forecast favourable for now, the railway team expects a busy day.
Owned and operated by Highland Hospice, Andrew Leaver, the charity’s head of income and development, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Ness Islands Railway and look forward to welcoming families to the trains again tomorrow, weather permitting!
“The railway has successfully opened every year for 40 years, first under the experienced ownership of the founder Ian Young, and then – since 2019 – under the ownership of Highland Hospice.
“We are so grateful to have the support of a dedicated team of volunteers, including Brian Warrender who has been with Ness Islands Railway since 1993.
“We couldn’t operate without their input, which is just so valuable and greatly appreciated.”
Entering its 40th year, the railway is keen to encourage more volunteers to enlist to help run the popular fun rides.
A Highland Hospice spokeswoman added: “Our railway couldn’t run without the support of our fabulous volunteers, and we are looking for help to help keep it running through the busy spring and summer months.
“Anyone who can spare even a few hours a week would find it a lot of fun and very rewarding to see the smiles on our young passenger’s faces.”
Roles where volunteers are needed include helping out at the kiosk with ticketing and merchandise sales, riding on the train, ensuring the passengers are safe and looked after and learning to maintain the locomotives and track.
There may even be opportunities to drive the trains.
Anyone interested can email volunteer@highlandhospice.org.uk or visit www.highlandhospice.org/volunteer to get involved.
