Rail tragedy project momentum

A project to place a memorial at the site of a near-forgotten Angus rail disaster is gaining momentum.

Tragedy struck at Elliot rail junction on December 28 1906 when the Edinburgh-bound North British Express careered into the back of a stationary Caledonian Railway train.

A total of 13 people were killed instantly on the local train, but the death toll increased to 22 with eight injured and the drill hall was used as a temporary mortuary.

Arbroath man Jim Millar and local councillor David Fairweather have been working to ensure the tragedy is not forgotten and said they are making “encouraging progress”.

Mr Fairweather said: “I have been in discussion with council officers about taking the project forward.

“We have discussed the necessary permissions that will be required, as well as potential plinth size, with associated infrastructure.

“Once we have an accurate estimate of costs, then we can take it to the next stage.”

Mr Millar said “I am delighted that progress is being made, and also the level of interest that is being shown.

“It is really encouraging that people are not just being supportive, but also putting forward ideas about what form the memorial should take.

“This was a tragedy with a significant loss of life.”