Full steam ahead for a rare flying visit of Scotsman

YOUR CHANCE TO RIDE BEHIND THE LEGENDARY ‘PEOPLE’S ENGINE’

IT’S the dream of many rail enthusiasts – the chance to ride behind the Flying Scotsman.

Even catching a glimpse of the legendary steam locomotive is an experience in itself.

And this Bank Holiday weekend, there’s going to be a chance to do both, because ‘the people’s engine’ is back in Greater Manchester for a tour along the East Lancashire Railway.

The service will be making a series of journeys through the Irwell Valley, from Bury to Rawtenstall and Bury to Heywood, from tomorrow to Monday.

And there are still tickets available for places in the carriages – as well as the chance for a free ride for anyone prepared to don traditional Scottish attire.

The first 100 people who arrive at Bolton Street Station wearing a tartan kilt by 10am tomorrow will get a return ride in a carriage behind the Flying Scotsman on the 10.30am Bury to Heywood service, as well as unlimited travel on other steam and diesel services throughout the day. It’s all part of a national tour, which has seen the locomotive travel around the country over the past few months. Jim Lowe, head of operations at the National Railway Museum, which owns the locomotive, said: “Flying Scotsman is a true symbol of engineering excellence and continues to inspire and amaze crowds of people wherever it goes.

“Flying Scotsman is a fantastic ambassador for the National Railway Museum and we aim to give as many people as possible the chance to see this legend of the steam age.”

Tickets start from £15 per adult and £10 per children.

See eastlancsrailway.org.uk for the full timetable, terms and conditions and tickets.