Whitrope marks 20 years at the summit of Waverley Route by opening up to the public
THE Waverley Route Heritage Association is marking the 21st anniversary of its founding and its 20th year on site at Whitrope Summit Heritage Centre on the legendary Waverley Route by opening its centre and railway to the public on the first Saturday of each month until October.
One of the UK’s most remote heritage railway centres, it offers a unique day out in the scenic heart of the Scottish Borders and recalls the great days of the linking of Edinburgh and Carlisle. The centre also plays a vital role keeping in the drive to reopen the line from the present Borders Railway terminus at Tweedbank to Carlisle very much alive by maintaining a railway presence in the area.
Association secretary Alan Maule said: “A great deal has changed over the 20 years since the Forestry Commission gave us permission to establish our centre here, and we are inviting enthusiasts and members of the public to Whitrope to enjoy and appreciate our railway operations at this historic spot on the Waverley Route in 2022.
“Like all heritage railways, we were held back by the impact of Covid over the last two years, but we’re now fully up and running. Although we are remote, visitors won’t be disappointed with what we have to offer here and everyone who comes tells us that it’s a journey worth making.”
With an extensive track layout now in use, and with a variety of rolling stock and artefacts on display, there’s plenty to capture the spirit of the express trains that once stormed up Whitrope Summit on their way to and from Edinburgh and Carlisle.
Volunteers have been working on the centre’s Class 26 No. 26040, and started up and ran its Sulzer engine successfully on April 2 – the first time a main line diesel has ticked over at the spot for many years. Volunteers are now working to fully restore the 1959-built locomotive, which saw service in the north and central belt of Scotland before being withdrawn in 1992 and brought privately for preservation.
The next open Saturdays will be held on July 2, August 6, September 3 and October 1.
➜ Full details can be found at www.facebook.com/WhitropeSiding