Family restaurant idea on right track

Anew dining experience could soon be stationed in Pitlochry as a family hope to open a restaurant in two former train carriages.

The Mccallum clan – Fergus, Isara and their daughter Mia – have submitted plans for the Thai restaurant to be situated in the Rie-achan car park beside the town’s railway station.

The family hope to open the restaurant in two repurposed Mk111 HST railway coaches built between 1977 and 1979.

They have been overseeing the restoration of two redundant first-class carriages, including a first-class catering vehicle with an ’80s theme, ensuring that the experience is as genuine as possible.

The idea for the restaurant mixes Isaras and Mia’s dream of opening a Thai restaurant and Fergus’ love of trains.

Fergus said: “Where better to site a railway heritage-themed restaurant but on land that was historically in railway use and adjacent to the current railway line.

“The carriages have been carefully hand-picked for their authenticity, being of the same type as those recently withdrawn from service by LNER from the Highland Mainlines.

“The carriages have a strong historical link and would have previously been seen running through Pitlochry.

“Even a section of original disused British Rail track bed and rails is being used to put the carriages on and a platform with planters is being provided.”

Mia said the finished project would look “seriously cool”.

She said: “My mum and I are really looking forward to having an opportunity to open an exciting new Thai restaurant in Pitlochry, bringing a new dining experience for the town and creating an attraction.”

The family hopes their venture will boost tourism and jobs in the town.

Fergus said: “The site has been not only chosen for its rich railway heritage but also its extremely sustainable location – being the hub for rail, bus, and coach travel and also easily accessible on foot or bicycle.

“The business will provide much-needed local employment for Pitlochry.

“It will boost the local economy and become a unique tourist attraction for locals and visitors to the area, which is important given the current economic situation.”

EXPERIENCE: The Mccallum clan – Fergus, Isara and their daughter Mia – hope to open a railway heritage-themed Thai restaurant in two repurposed first-class carriages, one of which is pictured below. Picture by Steve Macdougall.