A major meeting

“In response to Donald Isles’ query in your column regarding a railway to Falkland,” writes Jack Burgess, “the proposed line from Falkland Road Station to Falkland was first discussed in 1902. This was to assist with the movement of a now considerable tonnage in linens, floorcloth coverings, malt and farm produce.

“A major meeting was held in Falkland Public School on January 26 1905 with local traders, manufacturers and Fife County Council, when it was advised the railway line, three and a half miles long, would cost £10,500 exclusive of land. A local committee was formed to take the matter forward, and in December 1905, the Light Railway Commissioners passed the Order, authorising the construction of the line.

“Further meetings were held over the next couple of years, and in 1908, an agreement was reached that the North British Railway Company would work the line, and was expected an effort be made to get the undertaking under way as soon as possible.

“Meetings and discussions continued over the next few years, and by 1911 the estimated cost had risen to £20,000, but funding, as stated at the time, was nearing completion. In January 1912, an Order was made by the Light Railway Commissioners, and confirmed by the Board of Trade, for the compulsory purchase of land for the completion of the railway line, and works thereby authorised.

“An extract from the Fife News on February 28 1914 stated prospect of a start being made with construction of the Light Railway to Falkland was expected soon, following the promise of a £7,000 grant. However, with the beginning of the First World War, construction of the railway was never carried out.”

A sketch of the proposed railway line, as printed in the Fife News on August 5 1905. See above for further details.