Former Barclay works may be closed

THE Kilmarnock site of the former Andrew Barclay & Company’s Caledonia Works where steam locomotives were built has been proposed for closure by its American current owner Wabtec, with the loss of around 100 jobs, it is feared.

The site, which dates from 1840, has been rebuilt several times, and is currently used for rolling stock refurbishment.

Union Unite said that Wabtec planned to consolidate its operations in Doncaster, citing a reduction in orders. Unite, however, has asked for the “premature” closure to be postponed, pointing to multi-million-pound contracts awarded by Abellio Scotrail and the Scottish Government.

The closure of Didcot Railway Centre in late March due to the covid-19 pandemic has not only led to the cancellation of events such as the Railcar Rendezvous at Easter, but also halted a programme to introduce period re-enactors. A small group of new volunteers has been established and training was underway. Two volunteers in period dress are pictured with the venue’s replica second-class broad gauge coach. FRANK DUMBLETON