50 YEARS AGO Last train from Crieff as goods yard is axed

Crieff ’s last train departed for Perth without ceremony on Friday.

A goods train, hauled by diesel shunter D3544, it trundled out of the goods yard at approximately 12.45pm driven by Mr Guthrie, Scone, with the second man, Mr T Ritchie, Perth. Guard was Mr D Beattie.

The only staff in the goods office at Crieff are the clerk in charge, Mr WH Gordon, who is being transferred to Perth, and a goods porter, Mr T MacDonald, who is leaving the railway service. The closure of the Perth to Crieff ( via Madderty) line to freight, marks the end of Crieff’s railway history, after 111 years.

On October 10, 1966 Crieff Town Council unanimously agreed to replace the bridge over the lade between Sauchie Road and the Turret playing fields at a cost of £79 10/. On Tuesday, September 12, 1967 the bridge was replaced! The old bridge had been removed by the council last summer for safety reasons after it had partially collapsed through old age. At Crieff’s Council meeting on Monday, no-one questioned this 11- month delay in implementing one of their decisions. Does no-one want to know why there was this delay? We do!

Lord Hughes, Joint Under Secretary of State for Scotland, met members of Crieff Town Council informally and visited the Hollybush site where he saw progress at the council’s new housing development. Earlier in the day, Lord Hughes visited Loch Turret to inspect the water scheme.