SCOTTISH ‘8F’ TO BE NAMED ‘SIR WILLIAM MCALPINE’

Stanier ‘8F’ No. 45170 is to be named ‘Sir William McAlpine’ in tribute to the late president of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, who died in March.

An official naming ceremony for the former Turkish 2-8-0 is planned at the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway in March or April 2019. Having acquired it in 2014, the SRPS has begun its restoration, with the tender wheelsets to be sent away shortly for new tyres. Details can be found and donations made at www.srpssteam. com/8f-45170/8f-appeal

New SRPS Chairman Steve Humphreys said: “We were very proud to have Sir William as our president. He was a steadfast supporter of our society, quite apart from his considerable support to the railway movement generally. We are very grateful to Lady McAlpine for agreeing that we may name No. 45170. It will be a tangible reminder for us all of a great man and a great friend.”

Lady McAlpine, who was elected honorary vice-president of the society at its recent annual meeting, said: “Sir William was proud of his involvement in the SRPS and was quite proprietorial about it! I was very honoured to be asked to keep the McAlpine flag flying with the SRPS and will do what I can to help. I am in awe of the way they raise funds and get the work done, and am looking forward to seeing ‘Sir William McAlpine’ in steam.”