Through time Kerr’s Miniature Railway

With the announcement that, after 85 years in operation across three generations of its founding family, Kerr’s Miniature Railway at Arbroath’s West Links will close at the end of this month, we thought that we would take a look at happier times for the railway and those who enjoyed the attraction.

We are indebted to Jim Howie, who has provided the images below from his extensive postcard collection.

Current owner of the railway John Kerr was forced to take what he said was the “most awful decision” to call it a day.

In its heyday, as many 20,000 passengers a year were carried along the miniature gauge track which runs alongside the main east coast rail line. However, Scotland’s oldest miniature railway has seen visitor numbers fall in recent years

Founded by Matthew Kerr Snr in 1935, the railway was then operated by his son, also Matthew, before his death in 2006 led to it passing to his widow, Jill, and son, John, who said recent years had been a struggle for survival.

Mr Kerr’s announcement that the railway will close was met with sorrow and disappointment by families from across the globe who have travelled on the line down the decades.

He has made a plea for people to enjoy a final trip on the miniature trains before the curtain comes down in September, but gave a glimmer of hope that the attraction may survive under different ownership, possibly elsewhere.

Mr Kerr has said that possible future options could include a relocation or new owner, but the Kerr’s Miniature Railway name would disappear in the heart-breaking decision.

Miniature buses and a fire engine were also a popular feature at the railway.

Do any of these photographs bring back memories for you? If so, we’d love to hear them. Please email

The happy children on the buses are from the 1960s judging by the dress and hair styles. The Red Lion Garage sign can just be seen, with the caravan site there possibly where some of the children were on holiday.

The West Links Flier is preparing to depart with a happy group of children and adults. This postcard, which was sent to Belgium in 1955, also features the now demolished bathing pool which can be seen in the distance.

The two steam trains are busy with passengers in 1952. A proud granny looks to wave her grandchildren off on their journey.

Everyone is looking towards the photographer in this postcard, which is postmarked 1955.