Rare HST power cars south of Ayr… but Stranraer is too far

On October 16, Colas 43257/251 near Dalrymple (south of Ayr) while working the 1110 Slateford (Edinburgh)-Falkland Yard Ultrasonic Test Unit (UTU), via parts of south-west Scotland. Due to a delay in departing from Slateford, combined with other operational problems encountered en route, the train (which was booked to run via Stranraer) only managed to reach Barrhill (south of Girvan) before being turned around. Despite not reaching Stranraer, it is believed to be the first time that Colas-operated HST power cars have been seen south of Ayr.